YORKTOWN, N.Y. —Yorktown Heights resident Debbie Scherrer is set to receive Support Connection Inc.’s 2025 Dolly & Mike Acocella Spirit of Giving Award at the nonprofit organization’s Spirit Awards Brunch on Sunday, March 30. Jefferson Valley's A&S Fine Foods owner Mario Mancini (Spirit of Community Award) is also among the five people to be recognized for their contribution to the Support Connection community.
Scherrer is a longtime volunteer with Support Connection, which provides free and unlimited support services to those impacted by breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers. In a press release, Support Connection Communications and Development Manager Arianna Goggin said the award is presented to those who are an inspiration to others and clearly demonstrate what it means to give of oneself.
“They help Support Connection help others by giving wholeheartedly through volunteering and promoting its mission, as loyal volunteers Dolly and Mike always did,” the release said.
Scherrer has been a dedicated Support Connection volunteer since 2017. She decided to help the organization after losing a close friend to ovarian cancer.
“Debbie got involved to help the organization make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers,” the release said. “Over the years, Debbie has served on multiple fundraising event committees that have helped Support Connection raise thousands of dollars to support its free programs and services. She also regularly volunteers at Support Connection’s upscale resale shop, Fantastic Finds in Chappaqua, accepting donations and helping customers find exactly what they are looking for.”
Scherrer said she cherishes her work as a volunteer.
“Volunteering for this wonderful organization has truly given me a rewarding experience,” she said. “I am so grateful to the Support Connection staff for honoring me in this way and thankful for their help and support over the years.”
Other award recipients include two Somers residents, as well as volunteers from Ossining and Rye Brook.
This award is presented to individuals or organizations whose efforts and actions make a huge difference to Support Connection and the community.
Mario Mancini of Somers has been one of Support Connection’s greatest cheerleaders since he opened A&S Fine Foods Jefferson Valley in 1998. Mancini has embraced Support Connection’s mission and has gone above and beyond to spread the word and to donate. He always goes the extra mile to raise awareness by informing his customers about Support Connection’s services and inviting community groups, including Support Connection, to set up information tables outside his store.
“Through the years, many women in my family and others close to me have had breast cancer,” Mancini said. “This is one of the toughest things anyone can go through. I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t know someone who has been touched by cancer. I am happy to show my support to those going through cancer and organizations offering support or working on finding a cure.”
Proceeds from the Spirit Awards Brunch will help fund Support Connection’s free and unlimited breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer support services and programs. In addition to the award presentation, the event will include brunch, a mimosa bar, fundraising activities, and a performance by world-renowned violinist Daisy Jopling.
In the release announcing the awards, Support Connection thanked event sponsors NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, M&T Bank, Club Fit, The Foley Group, The Petroccione Family, TF Cornerstone, Northwell Health – Northern Westchester Hospital, Advanced Office Technology, and Unique Designs Corporate Gifting.
The Spirit Awards Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 30 at The Briarcliff Manor (25 Studio Hill Rd, Briarcliff Manor). Learn more at supportconnection.org/spirit-awards.
The Andrea Karl Amazing Grace Award is presented in honor and memory of Andrea Karl, a peer counselor at Support Connection for 16 years. Andrea Della Mura of Rye Brook is this year’s honoree.
The Maria Rubino Jennings Spirit of Caring Award is presented in honor and memory of Maria Rubino Jennings. Ossining resident Sara Somerville is this year’s honoree.
The Julie Haney Spirit of Hope Award is presented in honor and memory of Julie Haney. This year’s honoree is Laura Markowski of Somers.
Article courtesy of Support Connection, Inc. and edited by Halston Media
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