A Sampling of Events Hosted by our CorporatePartners and Friends*Sony Golf Outing dedicated to helpingchildren at YCSYCS is more than just an organization that cares for children, it's an extensionof our hearts. Sony has many wonderful traditions, but none are as importantas Sony people giving to their communities. We'll continue to support YCS andthe great work they do. We're just so honored by this partnership.Paul Spitale, Senior VP, SonyActor Jon Voight (r) uses his star power toraise funds on the stock market at BGCCharity Day event held in memory of allthose who lost their lives on 9/11. Boxinglegend Gerry Cooney (back) and YCSTrustee Vanessa Tyler represented YCS asone of the designated charities.Panasonic volunteers spent a day sprucingup a residence and outfitting it with newPanasonic entertainment centers, furnitureand more. Paterson Mayor Jeffrey Jones (l)stopped by to thank the volunteers.Students and alumni from In the Spotlight dancestudio performed at two sold out shows to benefitYCS. They were joined by dancers who competedin the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance.YCS welcomes a new partnerWPU VolleyballMary Ann Collura TournamentHAPI Fdn. (Hoop-A-Paluza ) hasnamed YCS one of its recipientsfrom this year’s fundraisingactivities. HAPI volunteers havealso rolled up their sleeves andhelped out at two of our residences.Friends of YCS, in pursuit of establishinga permanent camp for children at YCS,sponsored the 7th Annual Walkstock,”formerly known as Walk for YCS.* We wish there was more space so we can thankeveryone who has been so generous and done somany kind acts for our children. Please visit ycs.orgnewsletter archives for additional events.William Paterson University volleyballcoach Sandy Ferrarella hasorganized a high school tournamentat the campus for 33 years. Whenher dear friend Officer Mary AnnCollura died in the line of duty in2003, Ferrarella named the tournamentin her honor and used thegames as a way of raising funds fora worthy charity. In 2011, YCS wasselected as the receiving charity.“Mary Ann loved children andwould go out of her way to help achild in need. It is only right that wefulfill her dream that every child isimportant,” says Ms. Ferrarella.8
Ann Hearn’s talents as a quilt maker and storytellerbrings joy and comfort to hundreds of children at YCSgroup homes in southern JerseyEvery Sunday morning, when the children at the YCS Cedarbrook group home hearthe knock on the door, they immediately jump into action. Someone shuts the TVand they all take a seat in the living room. It’s story time with Ms. Ann. For the past few years, Ann Hearn has faithfullyvisited the home every Sunday morning. “I hope by reading to them I can transport the children out of the day-to-day routineand into the world of a story,” says the former school teacher, professor and Peace Corp volunteer.On a recent visit she brought The Quilt Maker's Gift – a beautifully illustrated tale about a selfish king who learns the joy ofsharing from a wise, caring quilt maker. The children are mesmerized and stop Ms. Hearn several times to ask questions.The story may be a fable, but for all the children in eight YCS southern region residences, Ms. Ann is the real wise andgenerous quilt maker. With the help of about 20 fellow quilters, Ms. Hearn has sewn quilts and pillow shams for more than 400children over the past eight years. The quilts are intended to help newcomers to a residence to feel more at home.Before distributing the quilts, Ms. Hearn talks about their meaning and tells the children that each quilt is unique just like them.After the children choose a quilt, she writes their names on the fabricso they know it is theirs to keep forever. “I wish the world could hearthe discussions as the children make their final choices,” says Ms.Hearn.The Great Story TellerIn the beginning, Ms.Hearn would drive longdistances to present thequilts to the children ateach group home. Morerecently, all the newarrivals meet Ms. Hearn atthe Somerdale office.When asked to recall a memorable moment, Ms. Hearn replied,“…when I put the quilt around the shoulders of a big teenage boywho was trying to look tough, and I felt his shoulders relax.”When I first met Ms. Ann Hearn she was verynice. She gave me a quilt and read us verygood books like The Grinch That StoleChristmas. Ms Hearn visits Cedarbrook everySunday at 10am and all the children lookforward to her coming. I thing we enjoy itthe most when we get a new kid in theprogram and she brings them a new quilt. Ms.Hearn is the best reader ever. I think peoplethat love to read should come to listen to thisfabulous woman.KP, 11 years old“Ms. Hearn really understands the children and knows how to relate to them, says Yovonda McKever, Cedarbrook siteadministrator. “It is not always easy and their behavior at times can be challenging, but Ms. Hearn never gives up. Thechildren know they can count on seeing her every week.”Have you ever considered becoming a one-on one mentor, or have a talent you can share with the children? There aremore than 450 children in YCS residences throughout New Jersey, only a few are fortunate enough to have mentors.To find out how you can become a mentor please visit our website at ycs.org or contact Kathy Mongon atkmongon@ycs.org. If you prefer to speak to her directly, please call 201-678-1312.9
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