Community Service at Its Best

President Fay Logan began the evening at Bibi'z Restaurant by presenting a Park Ridge Rotary Club Community Service Award to Sean McCann, a Park Ridge High School senior and Interact member. In conducting his SAVES FOR GAVIN Fund Raising Campaign for the benefit of Gavin Scimeca and the Children's Organ Transplant Association, Sean has been able to raise close to $30,000.

In his comments, Sean, the son of River Vale's Police Chief Michael McCann, told of how he first learned of the plight of young Gavin Scimeca, the 15 month old child of Anthony and Tara Scimeca, who was born with a rare genetic disorder. In talking with Anthony, a River Vale police officer, Sean learned of the staggering medical costs the family would be facing. He felt he had to do something to try to help.

Thus was born "Saves for Gavin", a creative idea that Sean hoped would raise "a thousand dollars or so". As starting goalie for the Park Ridge High School soccer team, Sean asked family members and friends to pledge money for every save he made throughout the season.

When local media began promoting his efforts, money starte to come in at a far more rapid rate than Sean ever expected. Working in conjunction with COTA, Gavin's fund is nearing its goal of $150,000.00. Of that Sean has raised nearly 20% of it.

President Fay was happy to be able to present Sean with a check from the Park Ridge Rotary Charity Foundation for $250.00 along with the Community Service Award. If you would like to learn more and perhaps contribute to this cause, go to http://www.cotaforgavins.com