WCA To Recognize Nicholas Kristof, Karen Blumenthal & PCSB Bank

Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) will honor Scarsdale resident and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof, policy advocate with Student Advocacy, Karen Blumenthal, and PCSB Bank at the organization’s annual benefit dinner on Tuesday, May 21, at the Surf Club on the Sound, in New Rochelle. The event begins at 6:00pm

Kristof will receive the Edith C. Macy Award for Distinguished Service. Through his writings, Kristof has expressed his deep concern for children, and the need for policies to address large challenges, which embodies the mission of WCA to create opportunities for kids. In a column published in February, Kristof imagined reallocating the $5.7 billion that the Trump Administration wants for a border wall to fund investments for America’s kids. In March he wrote about a homeless eight-year-old boy who is a chess champion. This story doesn’t just illustrate homelessness, it shows how easily opportunities can pass by individuals with great promise. Even though this boy is gifted, he may never have the opportunity to develop his gifts as do children who come from higher income families. You can hear more about the connection between Kristof and WCA on the latest issue of the Ground Truthing Podcast.

Karen Blumenthal is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Blumenthal is a champion for students through her work as a policy advocate with the nonprofit group Student Advocacy and founder of the Cornell Blumenthal Internship. Student Advocacy believes that every child has worth, every child has potential, and every child deserves an excellent education. “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Westchester Children's Association. Having partnered with and supported this wonderful organization for twenty-five years, I have always admired their passionate advocacy on behalf of Westchester's children. WCA makes Westchester a better place for all of us,” said Blumenthal.

Receiving the Corporate Children’s Champion Award is PCSB Bank. "We take tremendous pride in our commitment to Westchester County and our original charter as a bank for local businesses and hard-working families," said Dominick Petramale, Retail Banking Officer, Director of Cash Management. PCSB has demonstrated its commitment by supporting WCA and its "Take the Kids" initiative for several years.

About the Edith C. Macy Award: Edith Carpenter Macy (1869-1925) was the founder of WCA, a lifelong volunteer, and a generous philanthropist. Upon her death, she left an estate worth about $59 million in today's dollars. Edith and her husband, the industrialist, V. Everit Macy, lived a life of service, volunteering on nonprofit boards and making substantial contributions to a number of worthy causes in Westchester County and New York City, including the Girl Scouts and Teachers College at Columbia University. The Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor, the V.E. Macy Park in Ardsley, and the 100+ years of children's advocacy provided by WCA are three examples of the Macys’ generosity that continue to make an impact today.

About Take the Kids: Every year, WCA gives a very special experience to low- income and foster youth from Westchester County. Since the first event in 2005, WCA donors have provided a variety of memorable experiences for foster and low-income children that they might otherwise not have. These include trips to professional sports events, theatrical presentations, and cultural institutions throughout the area.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the benefit dinner visit www.wca4kids.org. To listen to Ground Truthing visit www.wca4kids.org/wca-podcast/.