Trio Builds Foundation of Support, Caring and Community

What started as a golf outing planned by three local moms turned into a community foundation that has become a source for families and those in need.

Christina Alcure, Kristy Jaeger and Christine Fitzgerald had been known each other through their children, most of whom were the same age, but their paths didn’t really cross until a 2008 golf outing planned for Kaylee Ann Rivers, a young girl suffering from Stage IV Neuroblastoma.  

The outing was a success and the three women saw instantly how they could help other people and before they knew it the Smithtown Children’s Foundation was formed.

“After the outing, we were like, wow, we can rally help other people and so we made a pact and said that’s what we are going to do,” said Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald, a former equity researcher on Wall Street, quickly learned how to establish the group as a not-for-profit and the ins and outs of setting up scholarship funds.

“People began to apply to us for assistance,” said Fitzgerald. “We will not just make a check out. We want to know that the money is going to the right thing. People aren’t always thinking clearly when they are in these tough situations.”

Fitzgerald makes sure that they have contacted their insurance company and agencies that may be set up to help them in addition to what the foundation can provide.

One of their most recent events was a Celebration of Life for Liam Armstrong, who was tragically killed earlier this year by a subway train in New York City. The celebration came about from students and friends who wanted to help the family but didn’t know how.

“All these kids were looking for something to do, so we went to the high school and decided on a celebration of life cookout.”  They were also able to set up two $1,000 scholarships, one for Smithtown East and one for West in addition to starting a beautification project in the East common area.

Each of the scholarships awarded through the foundation has special meaning. 

A nursing scholarship was established for Kaylee because her parents felt so strongly about the nurses who cared for their daughter. A science scholarship is awarded in Mike Denaro’s name, who was an Accompsett Middle school science teacher who passed away. Tracey Ochs who was a reading teacher who passed away from cancer has a scholarship in her name that is awarded to students interested in teaching or social work.

Each year, before the scholarships are awarded, the families of the people who the scholarships are awarded for meet and review the essays that are submitted. Fitzgerald said the meeting has become something that is almost therapeutic for the families.

“They get joy out of reading the essays from the kids and at the same time they are there with people who have gone through the same pain,” she said.

Each of the three women brings something to the foundation that makes it function as well as it does.

“Kristy is an advanced science teacher, Christina has a PhD in metabolic cardiology, so she reviews all the medical stuff. I am the voice of the foundation,” said Fitzgerald.

When asked what the future holds for the foundation, Fitzgerald said she would like to see more people involved.

“I hope that we get more people to step up and take on bigger roles so we can do more,” said Fitzgerald adding that they have about 15 people currently on the board.

“At some point we max out and have to say no. I hope to see people being motivated by what we are doing and pay it forward to do something for someone else of with us.”