Iona College Students Help Breezy Point Residents Rebuild in Collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester

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New Rochelle, NY (January 24, 2013) On Sunday, January 20, Iona’s Mission and Ministry sponsored the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Build in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester and the Interreligious Council of New Rochelle.  In addition to Iona students, youth groups from Beth El Synagogue, Holy Family Church, Relig program, and Temple Israel joined hands to refurbish a community garden in Yonkers, clean up a burned-out home in Greenburgh, NY, and rebuild homes and a kindergarten in Breezy Point, Queens. 

“Iona students were particularly overwhelmed by the hospitality extended to them by the Breezy Point residents who prepared hot meals and greeted them with heartfelt gratitude,” said Carl Procario-Foley, Ph.D., director of Center for Office of Mission and Ministry. 

Jim Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester shared his appreciation for the volunteers by stating, “Habitat of Westchester has celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend with a buildathon for 15 years. Iona students have worked with us, for many years, in service, celebrating the dream of ownership becoming a reality for all, by swinging hammers, raising walls and in this case helping Sandy victims as well. Thank you!"

Iona’s Habitat for Humanity chapter plans to return to the Breezy area to assist with on-going re-building efforts. “Working with Habitat has given me the opportunity to give back to the community. Being a part of the team that helps restore homes and communities that were destroyed in Hurricane Sandy has truly been incredible. Seeing the devastation in the areas we travel to, is extremely heartbreaking but knowing that there are so many people willing to help rebuild gives me hope for a better tomorrow,” said Jessica Scaparro ’13.

Iona College students who participated in this volunteer effort included; Carolyn Bradshaw ’16, Nicole Avitabile ’16, Jasmin Bayla ’16, Breana Shook ’16, Caroline Schneider ’16, Monica Jesby ’15, Caitlin King ’15, Elaine Primus ’13, Ariana Quintano ’13, Julia Pietrangelo ’16, Iliana Banda ’16, Jordan Gilruth ’13, Jessalyn Marconi ’14, Andrew Mezzano ’14, Greg Badura ’14, Anthony Aurrichio ’16, Jessica Scaparro ’13.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu