It takes determination and a lot of love to channel the pain of tragedy
into emotional healing. So it happened that the Colavita families, seeking
a way to transform profound sorrow over the destruction of the World Trade
Center on September 11, 2001, chose to create some joyous occasions for
the youngest victims of the tragedy—the children who lost parents
that day.
The Colavita Foundation for Children was founded to offer help
and hope to children who have suffered losses from catastrophic events,
or whose lives have been saddened by economic hardships. In addition,we
aim to educate children about the lifelong health and fitness benefits
of cycling. We are chartered as a charitable organization for this purpose
under New Jersey nonprofit corporation law.
In our inaugural program following the events of 9/11,we successfully
melded these goals by donating bicycles and helmets to the children of
victims of this tragedy. Through the assistance of government agencies
and charitable organizations, the Foundation presented a special certificate
to each child, who then visited a local participating bicycle shop along
with the surviving parent or guardian. The children had memorable moments
in the shops, selecting and being fitted for their new bikes and helmets.
The positive response to those gifts has provided happy proof that bikes
are a great way to lighten the sadness of children in distress—and
are equally appreciated by parents and guardians.
“Many
organizations have provided very generous support to the families
affected by the 9/11 tragedy—all greatly appreciated. The
Colavita Foundation’s imaginative program has won special
praise and thanks from the surviving parents for doing something
fun for the kids.” Kathy Yuill, Crisis Response Coordinator,United
Way of Essex and West Hudson
|
Those are the statistics for the Colavita Foundation’s 9/11 initiative.
In designing that program,we recalled treasured childhood memories of
receiving our first bikes and set out to give each of those children
a similar experience. Going forward, the Foundation plans to continue
the bicycle gifting program for other children suffering from the effects
of economic hardship or tragic circumstances.
In addition, Colavita
USA, our family company, is now sponsoring on the Foundation’s
behalf, professional cycling and health events such as The Colavita
Cup, Tour of Maplewood, and Family
Fit Day, as well as professional teams like the Colavita
Olive Oil/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team, the Colavita/Cooking
Light Women’s Cycling Team, and recreational cycling clubs
around the country. It is our hope that programs such as these will
inspire children of all ages. At the same time, we hope to spotlight
the Foundation’s name and mission through expanding regional and
even national press coverage.
Our pro team affiliation also promises some added excitement for the
kids.
Future beneficiaries of our bike program will receive Colavita Pro junior
bikes and the fun of being part of the “racing scene.”
 The
Colavita Foundation for Children is especially fortunate to have the
support of one of America’s premier cycling athletes. Marty Nothstein,
former world champion and gold medallist in the 2000 Olympics,was honored
in 2001 by the National Fatherhood Initiative with its prestigious Fatherhood
Award. As a visible sports figure and father,Marty is an ideal spokesman
for our bicycle gifting program, as well as an inspiring role model
for children. Marty will also be representing the Foundation as he continues
to compete, striving to represent the USA in the 2004 Olympic Games.
Funding
for our bicycle gifting program to date has come entirely from the Colavita
families in the form of personal and corporate contributions. We are
now ready to expand our program to reach many more children, and for
that we need your help. Please consider making a contribution.
As a token of our sincere appreciation, contributors who donate $100
or more to our “Sponsor a Bike” program for children in need
will receive an autographed, 8”x10” color photograph of Marty
Nothstein.
click here to download
our Contribution Form (pdf format)
The Colavita
Foundation for Children and its programs benefit from a close
relationship with Colavita USA. All family members serving on the Foundation
volunteer their time, and Colavita USA donates services for administration.
By eliminating all expenses for administrative salaries and overhead,
we are able to ensure that every dollar donated to the Foundation goes
100% to its intended purpose.
Encouraged by the positive response to the first bike program, the Colavita
Foundation intends to continue building on this gifting program for
future outreach to children in need. Please contact us if you own or
operate a bike shop and would like to participate in our program.
To maximize our effectiveness, the Foundation plans to partner with
other charitable organizations sponsoring community outreach and support
programs that benefit children in need. Our current focus is on children
in the the Newark,New Jersey area. In addition,we contemplate initiating
and administering other kinds of programs benefiting children as needs
are identified and funds are available. We welcome inquiries from all
interested people and organizations.
With an efficient organization in place, a stellar track record from
our inaugural program and boundless energy,we have big plans for bringing
smiles to the faces of a lot more kids. You can help us make them happen.
For updates on our programs and how we are helping, please contact us
at www.colavitafoundation.org.
The
Colavita Foundation for Children
PO Box 9143
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
email: info@colavitafoundation.org
phone: 908-862-5454
The Colavita Foundation For Children is a Section 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt organization.
© 2003, The Colavita Foundation for Children
|
