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Click here to check out an NY1 News video clip of this event  Staten Island, NY— “I learned that if you care enough about something, you can make a difference,” explains Justin, a Penny Harvest student leader from PS48 when asked what he learned most from his participation on a Philanthropy Roundtable.On May 6th, Justin joined 250 of his peers from schools across Staten Island at this first ever borough-wide event celebrating the difference each of them have made in their community. Hosted by the two Philanthropy Roundtables at IS 76 Rocco Laurie School and spearheaded by the tireless efforts of IS 76’s Penny Harvest Coach Cliff Hagen, the enthusiastic group of elementary and middle school students were joined by Penny Harvest Coaches, Common Cents staff, representatives from Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan’s office, Congressman Vito Fossella and State Senator Andrew J. Lanza, as well as five of the community based organizations to which Penny Harvest children in Staten Island gave money. This was the first time an entire borough united specifically to celebrate the work of Penny Harvest students. This gathering was about celebrating achievement and also sharing ideas. Penny Harvesters had the opportunity to meet their peers from other schools, learn about each other’s grant decisions, and also share with one another the difference they were making in their neighborhoods, their borough, and ultimately in all of New York City. “You are here today to not only represent the students at your school, but students in all five boroughs who just like you have made a difference in their community by collecting pennies and making tough decisions about how to best use your funds,” said Common Cents’ NYC Program Director Adam Seidel. “You now have a responsibility to share what you have learned. What if everybody knew that they could make a huge difference? Think about that and share it with someone.” Nancy Vomero, CEO of the Seamen’s Society thanked the children for several grants made to her organization by several of the schools present. The Seamen’s Society supports Staten Island foster children and their families. A collective “wow” leaked out of the children as she explained that Seamen’s Society was the oldest non-profit organization in Staten Island. “We’re 160 years old,” she said. “We will use this money to buy foster kids birthday cards. What’s really wonderful about this donation is that it’s children helping children. We don’t get funding from anywhere else to do this—birthday cards are so basic that they are something that can be taken for granted, but the children who get these will appreciate it.”  In addition to community grants to organizations like the Seamen’s Society, many students will now also participate in community service projects. This year, Penny Harvesters in Staten Island gave away $53,999 in community grants and have already participated in 18 neighborhood service projects. Julian, a 5th grade student from PS 45 remarked, “I learned that you don’t have to give money away to do something generous.” Other organizations who attended the celebration included the Grace Foundation, Project Hospitality and Protectors of the Pine Oakwood. |
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