L-R-Willy D’Ariano, Lily Goldstein, Mayor Mike Spano, Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy
By Dan Murphy
Simple acts of kindness can make a world of difference. That is what William D’Ariano, better known as “Chilly Willy” did for a young cancer patient.
A Maryland father, desperate to help ease the emotional toll of his daughter’s chemotherapy, was making calls to find dry ice. It would help his daughter, Lily (a 20 year old college student) with her cold cap treatment. She needed dry ice, fast (that evening) so she could continue her treatment.
Lily’s dad came across Chilly Willy & Cool Carls Ice Service, and called the emergency line. Willy D’Ariano answered the phone and the father’s plea, arranging for 40 pounds of dry ice to be delivered to the hospital. Willy empathized with Lily’s situation because he himself had just underwent brain surgery.
Willy’s son wrote, “My father was honored for his kindness and commitment to helping others. He didn’t want to accept an award for doing his job, but it meant a lot to Lily that he did. My father is the most selfless person I know and always puts others first. This is the kind of person he is, and it’s something he’s taught me and built a business around. Lily, we are praying for you and look forward to creating a beautiful ice sculpture to celebrate your recovery.”
Mayor Mike Spano recognized Chilly Willy by declaring Dec. 12-“Chilly Willy-William D’Ariano Day” in Yonkers, for his unyielding generosity and commitment to helping others when it matters most.
“For your kindness, generosity and being a shining example of Yonkers — may we all continue to be good to each other and compassionate,” said Mayor Spano.
It is never too late to perform an act of kindness for Christmas, and Chanukah, and Kwanzaa.
