Our Fresh Air Family: Gratitude and Community

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Fresh Air Fund is grateful for our incredible community that inspires us every day. This summer our partners – other non-profits, funders, corporations, and government agencies – all joined with us to ensure we kept the magic of summer alive for New York City children.

As we reflect on what we are grateful for, we also asked members of our Fresh Air Family what they are thankful for.

Donna Welicky – Fresh Air Volunteer

I am thankful for my good health and the opportunity to have adequate resources to be able to help a great organization, The Fresh Air Fund. I’m very thankful for my mother because she really taught me everything about the goodness of mankind and serving others.

Kim Best – Fresh Air Parent

First and foremost, I’m grateful for my faith and our lives. To be alive from March to November during an unprecedented pandemic is truly a blessing. 

I’m super grateful for Fresh Air Fund for becoming a well-rounded family and team for my son and myself. To The Fresh Air Fund – You are our family. You’ve done such a phenomenal job with my son. I put my trust in you and you took very good care of him. I was so nervous to send my only child aka “my baby” to camp. My son was in such good hands & care. Being a part of such an impactful organization and hearing my son rave about how much fun he had or when he shares what he learned always has me in awe. I am beyond grateful for Fresh Air Fund. We wholeheartedly love you! Thank you! #Grateful #FAFrocks 

Lisa Hill – Friendly Towns Host Mom

I am thankful for The Fresh Air Fund and the opportunities its programs provide for NYC children. The camps and Friendly Towns programs offer children unique opportunities to have experiences outside of NYC and to make friendships that last a lifetime. Programs available during the school year support children in an effort to ensure participants have the opportunity to reach their potential. These are amazing and special programs, and I am so thankful for the dedication and compassion of the staff and volunteers who make them happen.

Cristy Meacham – Friendly Towns Host Mom

I am grateful that my family has remained healthy during the last year. I am also grateful that I’ve been able to stay in touch with my Fresh Air “daughters” and that they and their families have been healthy too!

Tracy Shepard – Friendly Towns Host Mom

The Shepard family is very thankful for CJ and his family. We enjoyed seeing him via Facetime and even in person this summer when we drove down to Brooklyn to safely hang out with him and his family. We look forward to seeing him back in CT next summer for some new adventures!

Severinovsky Family: Host Family

Michael, Host Dad: “I am thankful for our family, and the fact that we have been able to stay together and safe so far.”

Mason, Host Child, Age 9: “I am thankful that we have all been healthy.”

Ariel, Host Child, Age 5: “I am thankful for my heart, which keeps me alive and helps me love my family and friends.”

Brandan Lucas – Fresh Air Fund Systems Administrator

I am definitely thankful for my job. With all the uncertainty this year has brought. Not having to worry about being able to pay my bills is something I am definitely appreciative of, but also the fact that I was able to focus on something impactful to me and bring good into the world even though there were so many negative things going on. That really helped me keep a positive energy throughout the year. I’m of course also thankful for my family.

Jade Callahan – Fresh Air Fund Support Services Coordinator

I am thankful for my family and my friends and my friends that have become my family!

Angela Bonato – Fresh Air Fund College Connections Program Manager

I am thankful for every department in the organization! Everyone plays a part in making successful programming for our students.

Ricky Cruz – Director of Camp Junior

This year has been a challenging one, but I am thankful for the individuals who supported me through one of the hardest moments in my life. It showed me the huge support circle I have and did not know existed.

Nicole Johnston – Deputy Director of Friendly Towns

I am thankful for time with my family and connections with my Fresh Air Fund colleagues and The Fund’s community, which bring hope and joy during these challenging times.

Today, and every day, we are grateful for YOU, our Fresh Air Family!

Watch the Summer 2020 Video and see how the Fresh Air team and family came together to keep the magic of summer alive!