White Plains Thomas H. Slater Center Sets 50/50 Fundraising Challenge
As it gets closer for Kurt Kannemeyer, Development Director at St. Christopher’s, Inc., to climb the 19,500-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as a fundraiser for developmentally disabled children, a the White Plains-based Thomas H. Slater Center is launching a county-wide 50/50 Challenge for the effort.
The Slater Center is recruiting 20 people to raise $1 each day for the 50 days leading up to the climb on April 1. The 50/50 Challenge began last Monday.
“Our goal is to engage Westchester County in assisting Kurt’s final push before his climb,” said Heather Miller, Executive Director of the Thomas H. Slater Center.
St. Christopher’s #ClimbForOurKids Mount Kilimanjaro Fundraiser will raise funds for an ILS (Independent Living Services) Center for St. Christopher’s developmentally disabled children at their Valhalla Campus.
To celebrate the 50/50 Challenge, a free Zumba class will be held at the Thomas H. Slater Center, located at 2 Fisher Court in White Plains, on Thursday, February 19 at 6p.m. The event is designed to help the community live a healthy lifestyle and to also provide more information about the fundraiser.
In an environment where children are faced with their own “mountains” on a daily basis, Kannemeyer, an Ossining resident, has become a role model. In addition to raising awareness for at-risk, special needs children, he will be climbing in honor of his mother, Gladys, who passed away last July after a long battle with breast cancer.
Since the fall, St. Christopher’s has been able to raise $20,000. With $10,000 more, St. Christopher’s will be able to reach its goal.
Since its inception in 1881, St. Christopher’s has helped teens with emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities by providing a residential program encompassing comprehensive therapeutic, social and family services coordinated with special education schooling.
“It is encouraging to see the Thomas H. Slater Center assist in our fundraising efforts,” said Kannemeyer. “I am grateful that they have collectively put together this challenge to not only help reach our goal for the climb and also help children right here in our community.”
For more information on how to join the 50/50 Challenge call 914-948-6211.
