Scarsdale Fire Department Hosting Carnival To Benefit Ronald McDonald House

Part magician, part rescuer. To the kids, he is the face of fun.

John Savarese, a 28-year veteran of the SFD, is once again organizing the annual SFD Ronald McDonald House Carnival on July 19.

The event, in its third year, allows sick children and their families to enjoy a day of games, fun and food. This year, the SFD is also inviting members of the Wounded Warriors Program and their families.

"It's very rewarding to see the kids and put a smile on their face," Savarese, who is a practicing magician in his spare time, said. "They look forward to this day."

For the past seven months, the SFD member has been working on this special event, which includes food, carnival games, rides, a rock wall and a fun house. 

For the general public, a donation is required at the door and all the proceeds from the day go to the Ronald McDonald House of New York.

The carnival kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 19 (with a rain date of July 20) and runs through 4:30 p.m. It is being held at Scarsdale Fire Station 3, at 56 Crossway Street.

Folks will want to be there at 10:45 a.m. for a "very special event," he said. Not wanting to give away the full surprise, the firefighter said there will be an "air show demonstration" featuring the U.S. Army Black Knights. 

The children from the Ronald McDonald House of New York and their families, along with the Wounded Warriors and their families, attend the event for free.

Local vendors are donating food for the carnival as well, he said.

The goal is to raise $20,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. And the SFD is on track to doing just that. Currently, they have raised over $11,000, according to Savarese.

To make a donation or for information about the event, contact John Savarese at BRONTO0000@AOL.com

Follow Scarsdale Patch on Facebook and Twitter to see photos of the event next week.