Youth Members Aim for a Cure

Youth Leadership Members present check to Leukemia Society

Valley United Way’s Youth Leadership Program members have made a contribution of over $3,775 to the Leukemia Society of America on behalf of Lucas Ardito and his family of Ansonia as a result of fund raising activities during the year. The students who live in the Valley and attend public and private high schools in the area participated in a variety of leadership training exercises throughout the year.

            The students then undertook an effort to raise money to help the family of a child in the community who is dealing with a major illness. This is the fifth year that the students have done so. This year they chose Lucas Ardito of Ansonia. They held a series of events culminating in a very successful “Rock the Valley” concert held at the Boys & Girl’s Club in October. All of the bands and entertainers performed for free and the Boys & girls Club donated their gym for the evening. The Ardito family asked that the funds be donated directly to the Leukemia Society in an effort to help find a cure for Leukemia.

            A reception was held recently and Christine Urciuoli of the Leukemia Society was on hand to accept a check from the Youth Leadership Students. She commended both the Youth Leadership members and Lucas Ardito and his family for the great example that they are setting and expressed hope that one day the disease will be eliminated.

Bill Dunlop signs the check making it official

            Bill Dunlop, Chairman of the Board at Valley United Way, also spoke at the reception and complimented the students on their achievements during the year and their dedication and involvement with the community. He stressed that the future of our Valley community will be in good hands because of the leadership being shown by the next generation of Valley volunteer leaders.