To the Editor:
We commend the following individuals and businesses for supporting the humble, little outdoor “Eat Your Heart Out” Bakesale Fundraiser my husband, Gordon, and I hosted last weekend, Feb. 25 and 26, outside Dunkin Donuts on 25th Street: Javier DelRio, Chrissa Devries, Frances Gustaferro, Rob Harsh, Jane Jackson, Dolores Kane, William Lucy, Martinez Family, Tomasa Mercedes, Ken Noel, Vanessa Padin, Pinky Parks, Popowski Family, Donna Santiago, Mike Sarullo, Megan and Matthew Saylor, and Jonathan Staunch.
Al Richards, Colonial House of Pets, Dunkin Donuts, Judicke’s Bakery, Paulanto Bakery, and Super Stop & Shop.
The City Hall Health Dept.; Council Members Debby Czerwienski, Ray Greaves, and Joseph Hurley; and Mayor Mark Smith.
You all showed that a spirit of community and goodwill could still be found in Bayonne, if one cares to look and despite the adverse news around.
As an artist, I believe that an isolated art, or any other passion, dies in its own vacuum, unless connected with community and charity. While brevity may easily call the act of connecting, love or compassion, it takes a lifetime to learn. We were asked by the beneficiary why we decided to do the fundraiser. Not having time to give it much thought, I replied, “Why not?”—perhaps here’s another way to exercise compassion without thinking too much of it. While not everyone has the time or interest for structured organizations and memberships, this fundraiser proves that a handful of people can carry out a vision with a bit of effort, even with only three weeks of planning and execution. It connected people, even if only for one weekend, flurries and all. We reached into our pockets and “ate our hearts” out for 400 children.
Every $1 donated to Soles4Souls provides a new pair of shoes for a disadvantaged child in our country and elsewhere needed. If you’d like to learn more about this charity, its website offers a wealth of information.
Again, we thank everyone who pitched in, including those whose names we failed to ask. No help is ever small. We thank the lady, Irene, whom we met sitting at Dunkin Donuts, for dropping the first dollar in the jar before we even started setting up. While we may never know how it feels to walk in each other’s shoes, much less as shoeless children, we can at least try to walk with each other an extra mile.
MICA SAYLOR