Yonkers City Clerk Vincent Spano at Vinny’s Promise fundraiser that raised more than $100,000
Vinny’s Promise, a new Yonkers-based charitable organization dedicated to helping children impacted by cancer, raised more than $100,000 at its inaugural fundraising event on June 16 at Castle Royale.
The evening drew an overflow crowd of nearly 700 family members, friends, elected officials, labor unions, and local businesses, with guests filling 60 tables and more than 100 additional supporters in standing room only. Organizers say the turnout exceeded every expectation for a first-year event.
The organization takes its name from the fight of founder Vincent Spano. In November 2024, Spano was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver. After six months of chemotherapy and seven surgeries over twelve months, he was declared cancer free in November 2025. During his treatment, Spano made a promise that if he survived, he would do everything in his power to make a difference for families fighting cancer who did not have the same resources he had. Vinny’s Promise is that promise kept.
“We set out hoping the community would show up for these kids, and Yonkers answered in a way that left us speechless,” said Spano. “At the same time, we weren’t surprised. That’s the type of people we have in Yonkers. Every dollar raised goes toward one purpose: making life a little easier for children and families fighting cancer. This night proved we are not doing this alone.”
Hundreds of donors supported the event, with contributions coming in from well beyond the room at Castle Royale, and donations continue to come in weeks later. Support came from every corner of the city and beyond: union leadership at the State, County, and City levels, storefronts, family kitchen tables, longtime friends and complete strangers who simply wanted to help a child in the fight of their life.
Every dollar raised will go directly to Yonkers children impacted by cancer.
Vinny’s Promise is in the process of incorporating as a New York State not-for-profit and is led by an all-volunteer board.
Organizers say the inaugural event will become an annual tradition, with planning for next year’s gathering already underway.
Donations to Vinny’s Promise can be mailed to 82 Bennett Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.
