SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 PLUNGES:

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10th, 2024

ESCAPE FROM SING SING PLUNGE @ 10AM

HEADLESS HORSEMAN PLUNGE @ 1:30PM

The Escape from Sing Sing Plunge will be held at Louis Engel Park Beach, Ossining on Saturday February 10, 2024  at 10am!  Plungers should arrive at 9:15am. To donate or become a sponsor click donate above.

Headless Horseman Plunge will be hosted later in the day at the beach at Kingsland Point Park, 299 Palmer Ave, Sleepy Hollow.  The plunge will be held on Saturday February 10, 2023  at 1:30pm! Plungers should arrive at 12:00pm. To donate or become a sponsor for the Headless Horseman Plunge click here.

Come join us as Mrs New York; Chloe Rosen will be taking the Escape from Sing Sing plunge and cheering on plungers at the Headless Horseman Plunge.

Last year, we raised $55,000 at our 2023 plunge. Do you want to take the plunge or sponsor our bravest residents? You can contribute as an individual or join our roster of business sponsors.

Our fundraising goal is to exceed $55,000 and 50 participants towards helping Westchester families facing a hardship, regardless of income.

Each plunge registrant pays a registration fee of $75. For those participants who attract sponsorships or donations in excess of $175, they’ll get to memorialize their plunge with a long sleeve event shirt. For raising $300, participants will receive a customized hoodie.

Not to be outdone, we have sponsorships targets for contributors and local businesses:

1- $100 Friend of Gullotta House; Facebook Shout out
2- $250 logo or team name  in February ’24  River Journal, flyers and Facebook incl.
3- $500 item #1 above and logo or team name in Jan & Feb ’24 River Journal North/South, souvenir shirts & pullovers.
4- $1,000 All the above, logo on shirt & pullovers, logo in March River Journal and company sign at Event.

To sponsor this event or a person click donate above.

Just like last year, everyone must wear sneakers or water shoes and sign a waiver. Costumes are not only allowed but also encouraged. We are taking pictures and videos to celebrate this 2024 fundraising kick off.

It is not too late to sponsor any one or more of our heroes below by making a donation. Alternatively, plan to join the merriment in 2024 by plunging in yourself and get your friends to cheer you on, contribute to your campaign, and pass you some hot chocolate to warm you up when you come back on shore.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2024 PLUNGES:

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10th, 2024

ESCAPE FROM SING SING PLUNGE @ 10AM

HEADLESS HORSEMAN PLUNGE @ 1:30PM

The Escape from Sing Sing Plunge will be held at Louis Engel Park Beach, Ossining on Saturday February 10, 2024  at 10am!  Plungers should arrive at 9:15am. To donate or become a sponsor click donate above.

Headless Horseman Plunge will be hosted later in the day at the beach at Kingsland Point Park, 299 Palmer Ave, Sleepy Hollow.  The plunge will be held on Saturday February 10, 2024  at 1:30pm! Plungers should arrive at 12:00pm. To donate or become a sponsor for the Headless Horseman Plunge click here.

Come join us as Mrs New York; Chloe Rosen will be taking the Escape from Sing Sing plunge and cheering on plungers at the Headless Horseman Plunge.

Last year, we raised $55,000 at our 2023 plunge. Do you want to take the plunge or sponsor our bravest residents? You can contribute as an individual or join our roster of business sponsors.

Our fundraising goal is to exceed $55,000 and 50 participants towards helping Westchester families facing a hardship, regardless of income.

Each plunge registrant pays a registration fee of $75. For those participants who attract sponsorships or donations in excess of $175, they’ll get to memorialize their plunge with a long sleeve event shirt. For raising $300, participants will receive a customized hoodie.

Not to be outdone, we have sponsorships targets for contributors and local businesses:

1- $100 Friend of Gullotta House; Facebook Shout out
2- $250 logo or team name  in February ’24  River Journal, flyers and Facebook incl.
3- $500 item #1 above and logo or team name in Jan & Feb ’24 River Journal North/South, souvenir shirts & pullovers.
4- $1,000 All the above, logo on shirt & pullovers, logo in March River Journal and company sign at Event.

To sponsor this event or a person click donate above.

Just like last year, everyone must wear sneakers or water shoes and sign a waiver. Costumes are not only allowed but also encouraged. We are taking pictures and videos to celebrate this 2024 fundraising kick off.

It is not too late to sponsor any one or more of our heroes below by making a donation. Alternatively, plan to join the merriment in 2024 by plunging in yourself and get your friends to cheer you on, contribute to your campaign, and pass you some hot chocolate to warm you up when you come back on shore.

In 2017, Iona University Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) reached out to Gullotta House to partner in a fundraising event. Hundreds of student-athletes on intercollegiate teams dressed up in Halloween costumes to compete in lifting challenges, relay races, tug of war, and obstacle courses to raise funds for local children in need.

That initial event has since become an annual tradition. Over the  years, Gullotta House has raised over $7,000 with SAAC to benefit Westchester families. It’s been a pleasure working with the Iona Gaels. Their enthusiasm and growing community activism of these students energize us and gives up confidence that their future and the future will be better because of their selflessness.

Lift-O-Ween – October 24th – October 31st, 2023 during team lifts

Karaoke Night at the Mirage  – November 16th, 2023, 8:30-10:30pm

Westchester County, as a community has a relatively high median household income of $94,811. However, of its 967,612 population, 9.44% live below the poverty line.   While lower than the national poverty rate of 13.1%, there are some 89,800 residents who struggle to make ends meet. That’s why organizations like Gullotta House fulfill such an important need. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with other citizens and organizations to amplify our effectiveness and to raise awareness. There are always people who might be facing a hardship that escapes our notice and there’s always the opportunity to give back to residents who might otherwise not ask for assistance.

During this time of year, others might be enjoying a horror film, trick or treating or lighting a jack o lantern. Iona Gaels will take a study break in-between midterms to shine a spotlight on community assistance during hallows eve or souls day. The trajectory from Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival to All Saints Day to consuming tons of candy is illuminated here. At Gullotta House, we strive to build a new tradition of giving at specific times during the year but also raising awareness that need is year-round and can be sudden and acute. While this is one of our favorite events – because of the pageantry, festivity, and impact – we always want to keep the focus on helping families in need, in whatever capacity we can.

Gullotta House is partnering with St Ann’s to provide a Thanksgiving meal to members of our community. All who would like or are in need of a meal are invited to join us for the 2023 Thanksgiving dinner at St Ann’s school gym. This year’s festivities will be held on Sunday November 19th, from 1:30 – 5:00pm. In addition to providing 1,000 sit down meals, we will have grab and go meals available and will be delivering 500 meals to disabled or seniors throughout Westchester upon request. Donated turkeys can be dropped off at St Ann’s rectory from Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm.

Last November, Gullotta House hosted its 6th annual Turkeys for Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Ann’s Church in Ossining. This event provided a full meal for 397 veterans, seniors and residents facing hardship. Additionally, $1,250 in gift cards and over 300 turkeys were distributed to other needy families.

With the New York City job market, stellar K-12 education system, and beautiful Hudson Valley surrounding us, living in Westchester County is indeed something to be thankful for.  Our 968,000 residents enjoy  a median household income approaching $95K.  However, 9.44% of locals live below the poverty line which means that some 90,000 have daily financial challenges.  Then there are those who have acute situations such as a sudden illness or job loss that can create a need to figure out how to put food on the table or how to pay the next month’s rent.

There are charitable organizations that help many individuals but are limited to providing assistance to only those below a certain income level.  At Gullotta House, we have no such restriction and recognize that past earnings might not be relevant in a current situation.  We strive to help Westchester residents in need, regardless of past income.  Sometimes that can be a one-time or short-term cash gift.  Other times it could be fellowship, a hot meal, or nice night out or a combination of all three.

Thanksgiving is among the most beloved of all holidays when friends, old and new, can get together, share a meal, and express gratitude for the good things in their lives.  A well-cooked meal provided by loving hands can heal some rifts and get us to focus a little less on our troubles and to concentrate on other important things.

At Gullotta House, we are thankful to our many contributors, volunteers, advisors, suppliers and recipient for allowing us to do what we love – helping our neighbors in need.  Keep reading throughout our website to find out how to get involved as a donor or volunteer to enable our mission of neighbors helping neighbors.

It looks like a duck. It acts like a duck. It is a duck race to make a positive impact in the lives of Westchester residents facing a hardship. Every Spring, floating down the Sing Sing Kills Brook are hundreds of rubber ducks reflecting how neighbors help neighbors in our community. This year’s race has been rescheduled due to inclement weather and will be held on Saturday September 30th, 2023.

This event was run by the Ossining Rotary Club. After emceeing for three years, Matt Gullotta agreed to make this a Gullotta House activity. Basically, friends and family are able to make small donations in a (slightly) competitive environment. A single duck cost $10. A quack pack of six cost $50. A flock of 13 cost $100. This year’s fundraising goal is $10,000. Click donate to purchase your tickets. Your ticket numbers will be emailed to you after your purchase.

Our 2020 Virtual Duck Race was held May 30th on Facebook Live and was a big success. In 2020, we had a 1st prize of $1,350. Click these links to see videos of our 2017 Charity Duck Race and 2018 Duck Race  on Facebook.

Don’t forget to spread the word. Challenge your friends or family members to help raise money by buying ducks. Earn bragging rights to see whose duck crosses the finish line first to become a champion on the big day! More importantly, your donations can help create memories for local youths. Our programs offer a little inspiration through cultural enrichment or eases some of the financial burden of higher education. Please consider contributing to our online fundraising activities and come out to cheer on your favorite ducks participating in the race of their life!

A wide variety of initiatives are underwritten by raising general funds. In addition, when we can, we partner with local organizations to amplify our impact. Our annual event with the Westchester Knicks is an example of just that. Over the past five years, we’ve been able to send over 1,500 children under 18 to watch a professional basketball game for free. This quality family time at this fun-filled event is one of many ways we try to contribute to our community.

Another general objective is to fund scholarships for High School students continuing their education. In recent years, the Gullotta House has awarded a dozen scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000 to Ossining High School seniors who’ve matriculated to various universities, including Gettysburg, Marist, SUNY Buffalo, Northeastern, SUNY Purchase, Fashion Institute of Technology, and the University of Rhode Island, among others.

As you know, children are our greatest assets. Sometimes a small moment or a helping hand at a pivotal junction can be the difference between continuing a positive path, standing still, or heading in the wrong direction. With our duck race, we raise funds with an eye towards building kinship among our community members and investing in local youth and their well-being.

Gullotta House is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local residents. In contrast to other charitable organizations, there is no reference to past income if at the moment a family is in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The pandemic has had profound impacts on our daily lives. Social distancing and limited public gatherings have wrought emotional havoc. School and office shuttering have disrupted daily routines. Economic slow downs and job loss have exposed gaps in the social safety net. Food insecurity is more apparent, even in a relatively affluent community like Westchester County. With the help of our generous supporters and in partnership with scores of restaurants and elected officials, Gullotta House was able to distribute over 150,000 meals during the pandemic.

Gullotta House is ready to take the next step! Gullotta House Needs a Home. The time has come for Gullotta House to create transitional housing for fire and flood victims and residents who have been displaced by unforeseen circumstances. With this campaign we are hoping to raise sufficient funds to buy a residence to use as emergency temporary housing for those in need. Ideally, we would provide shelter, meals, and laundry services for multiple families for 29 days while they look for alternatives after sustaining a devastating loss. Since launching this campaign, we have raised over $15,000. Our goal is to raise $350,000 to reach our objective.

Our efforts have given Gullotta House an opportunity to apply for a grant from the 2022  A Community Thrives program. We’ve qualified for this potential source of funding, but winning this type of grant will not be possible without your help.

Sponsored by the USA TODAY Network’s parent company Gannett, the 2022 A Community Thrives program is a nationwide, crowdfunding program that will grant over $2 million to eligible nonprofit organizations for specific projects aimed at social issues including education, housing, arts and culture, wellness and the environment. Gullotta House will be competing for various grants during the fundraising period of July 18, 2022 at noon to August 12, 2022 at 9pm. In order to be eligible for the National or Local Grants, Gullotta House must raise a minimum of $3,000 during this period through the crowdfunding campaign.  In addition to a Top Fundraiser grant, we will be competing in weekly bonus challenges. Please note that donations must be made via Gullotta House’s Official Fundraising Page on A Community Thrives’ website.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Bonus Challenges:

• 7/18/2022 @12:00 pm – Mon.  7/25/2022 @11:59 am: The top 4 charities with the most unique donors during this time period on their Official Fundraising Page will receive $5000. We need as many individual donors as possible during this round. We suggest a donation of $5 during this challenge. Please note that each donor must have a different email to be considered a unique donor.
• 7/25/2022 @ 12:00 pm – Mon 8/1/2022 @11:59 am: The 8 charities that raise the most dollars during this time period on their Official Fundraising Page will receive $3000.
• 8/1/2022 @12:00 pm – Mon 8/8/2022 @11:59 am: Six charities that receive the most unique donors during this time period on their Official Fundraising Page will receive $4000. We need as many individual donors as possible during this round. We suggest a donation of $5 during this challenge. Please note that each donor must have a different email to be considered a unique donor.
• 8/8/2022 @12:00 pm – Fri. 8/12/2022 @9:00 pm: Eight charities to raise the most dollars during this time period on their Official Fundraising Page will receive $4000.

Non-profits are categorized based upon the size of their annual operating budget. For this type of funding, there was no formal grant proposal or hiring a grant writer. Rather, approved 501(c)(3) non-profits are tasked with (a) having a worthy cause and (b) being able to demonstrate that they have broad community support.

Gullotta House cleared the first hurdle based upon its reputation as well its activities, including our Oak Street Community Garden, Yonkers event in August that earned a write up in LoHud – Rockland/Westchester Journal News, a Gannett property. For the second criteria, we are rallying you, our organizational and individual donors. The number of individual donations as well as the amount of money donated through the Official Fundraising Campaign Page are factors in the evaluation process. So, we ask that you donate early, donate often, and donate as much as you can.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

We would appreciate you spreading the word both face-to-face and via social media. Let other potential donors know about our organization. Direct them specifically to this campaign. Let them know that their contribution will be amplified by the amount, the prestige and the social proof of winning the grant funds.

We greatly appreciate the amount of time and money our volunteers and donors have already contributed year-to-date. We are pursuing this fundraising effort because, long term, having more diversified funding opportunities and a more regional profile will bolster us in our mission of helping Westchester County residents facing hardship.