The Villages New York Yankee Club presented a check for $1,000 to SoZo’s Kids at their monthly meeting recently at Eisenhower Recreation Center.
Accepting the check on behalf of SoZo’s Kids, Administrator Elizabeth Goodman thanked the club saying the money would go toward their Christmas project. Located in the Ocala National Forest the aim of SoZo’s Kids is to rescue as many lives as possible through programs, events and education. Many of the children in the forest live in extreme poverty.
The Christmas program purchases presents that are given to the parents to give to their children. Goodman said they try to see that each child gets one fun present along with needed items including clothes and books. For more information about the SoZo’s Kids program go to www.sozokids.org.
The New York Yankee Club is a social club. They attend Yankee games in Tampa, spring training games, participate in golf outings and have speakers related to baseball at their meetings. They decided it was time as an organization to give back to the community.
Tony Prettitore and Dennis Nero stepped up to take on the fundraising role. Deciding to keep it simple and to the point, they put a bucket at the check-in table at every meeting inviting members to contribute. Money was collected from April to September.
“This was our first time doing it,” said Prettitore, “We started a new bucket in October for next year and I imagine we will have even more to give next time.”
Club president Elliot Schnabel said when presenting the check that after talking to Goodman and hearing some of the stories, it makes it even more important to contribute. “I am glad we have already started collecting for next year.”
The Villages New York Yankee club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Recreation Center. For more information about the club, go to www.thevillagesnewyorkyankeesclub.com.