By Dan Murphy
We thank Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner for highlighting the efforts of Brian Jaeger, who attends Hastings-on-Hudson schools. Brian is one of the amazing people in Westchester who decided to give back and do unto others.
Brian is organizing an important charitable initiative, the “Hockey Stick/Cancer” charitable project. It’s a program that will directly benefit Edgemont, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and other communities throughout Greenburgh.
Brian’s aunt, Marla, was a beloved teacher of kindergarten and first grade students at the Greenville Elementary School for more than 20 years. Sadly, three years ago she passed way at age 45 from kidney cancer. The Edgemont community erected a statue and plaque in her honor, which sits right outside her Greenville school classroom window. Marla and her sister Jacqueline attended the Edgemont schools.
Brian and his “Auntie Marla” had a special relationship. On the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah this September at Temple Beth Shalom in Hastings, Brian has chosen to honor the memory of his Auntie Marla by creating a charity he named “Stick Up to Cancer.”
Brian, an avid ice hockey player, is collecting used hockey sticks that he will be donating to youth organizations who are in need of sports equipment. His parents are supporting this effort by donating $5 for each hockey stick he collects. An anonymous donor has agreed to match his parents’ contributions. The money collected will be donated to what is named “Marla’s Fund” at the Edgemont School Foundation, a fund set up at her passing, to enhance the teaching of early childhood literacy, Marla’s educational passion.
To date, Brian has collected more than 350 hockey sticks from all around the Greenburgh area as well as throughout the county and, in fact, from the entire metropolitan area. Ice hockey rinks and sporting goods stores are supporting this effort. As you can see it is a win/win/win effort for everyone. The Edgemont School community benefits through cash donations to its foundation; the children and organizations in need gain a lot of sports equipment, and Brian and his family benefit by honoring the memory of his “Auntie Marla.”
Those wishing to donate hockey sticks can contact Brian at stickuptocancer@gmail.com. Arrangements will be made to pick up the sticks. Those wishing to make a matching cash donation for one or more sticks can do so by check made payable to the “Marla Fund – Edgemont School Foundation” and mailed to “Marla Fund – Edgemont School Foundation” and mailed to Jackie Jaeger, 95 Scenic Drive, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706
Marla’s Fund was established by Edgemont School Foundation at the request of the Payson-Weizner Family in December 2015 to honor the legacy and memory of Marla Payson Weizner and her dedication to the Edgemont School District as an educator of elementary (first grade) students.
The general purpose of the fund is to support literacy programs/development at the two elementary schools in the Edgemont School District for items that would otherwise not be included in the school budget and is not to be used to reduce proposed budgets. The programs must meet the foundation’s mission to “enhance and ensure the value of and Edgemont education” as determined by the ESF Board of Directors, with consultation with the Payson-Weizner Family.
Brian recently made a presentation to the Greenburgh Town Board and announced that he had collected 460 hockey sticks and $1,600 cash. Congratulations to Brian, and thanks for giving back to your community, and for providing a lesson for all of us in Westchester to live by.
