Arena family starts foundation

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Arena family starts foundation

CHRISTINE PIZZUTI

THE PATENT TRADER

(Original publication: August 10, 2006)

 

In honor of Jimmy Arena, who passed away last September at the age of 6, the Arena family has started a foundation in his name. The JIMMY — Just Imagine Making Miracles Yours — Foundation helps families of children who have become afflicted with life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Jimmy's mom Gina said they started the foundation to give back to the same community that raised money to make life easier for the Arenas throughout Jimmy's battle with a brain tumor.

"Once he passed, we decided to continue what everyone else had started for us," said Arena.

The fund that was created for Jimmy was started by the Katonah Benevolent Association and sponsored by the Katonah Fire Department where Jimmy's dad, James Arena III, is a former chief. The association raised almost $75,000 for the Arenas.

Although it was officially recognized as an incorporated organization in April, the JIMMY Foundation is still waiting to be approved for nonprofit status.

"We're really getting overanxious and we're ready to get moving," said Arena. "We've got a lot of people to help."

The Arenas have already spoken to a number of families who could use help from the JIMMY Foundation.

"We're just getting off the ground," said Arena. "Hopefully we can start helping children by the end of the year."

Until then, the family has some fundraisers in the works, including the annual Poker Run held every year by the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club in Croton-on-Hudson. This year, the proceeds are going to JIMMY.

Now that the Arenas have taken on the project of starting a nonprofit, the same people who stood by them during their son's illness continue to help in every way possible.

Family friend Marisa Daros said when they asked for her assistance, she willingly agreed.

"I was honored when they asked me to be on the board of directors and to be their secretary," said Daros, who met the Arenas through her husband's work with the fire department.

"Even though I haven't experienced what they have, I feel like I can give back to the families that are in need also."

For information visit www.jimmboy.com or call Gina Arena at 914-277-8120.

If you go

What: The Red Knights Poker Run for the JIMMY foundation.

When: Saturday, Sept. 23 (rain date: Sunday, Sept. 24). Registration is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: The Reef Parking Lot at Annsville Circle in Peekskill

Registration Fee: $25 per rider, $15 per passenger, walk-in adults $15, walk-in children $8.

Information: Call Chris at 914-557-4828 or Frank at 914-760-3204. For directions visit www.redknightsny8.org.