Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale Leads to Home for Lucky the Wonder Dog

IN THE NEW YEAR NEW ROCHELLE FIFTH-GRADER JAKE GALLIN RESOLVES TO HELP MORE MILITARY FAMILIES AND HOMELESS ANIMALS

In the New Year Jake Gallin, a big-hearted 10-year-old from New Rochelle, resolves to ramp up his volunteer activities to benefit both human and humane charitable causes, including the USO and Cat Assistance.  

Jake’s signature charity project is the “Stars for Cars” magnetic decal, which he sells through his web site, www.starsforcars.org, and at personal appearances to raise money for the USO. Additionally, Jake blogs about the importance of helping homeless animals at http://www.starsforcars.org/our-lucky-canine-heroes/

The concept and design of the “Stars for Cars” magnetic decal was Jake’s and he reached out to the business community to obtain start-up funding for his project, which was launched two years ago. To date, Jake has sold 800 Stars at $10.00 each, even to people as far away as Kentucky, Florida and Maine, raising thousands of dollars to help our nation’s military families through the USO’s many programs.

In addition, he raised more than $1,000.00 by joining in the USO’s 9/11 Remembrance Walk in the fall of 2012. He trained hard to participate in the event, often with Lucky the Wonder Dog at his side.

Lucky didn’t live a fortunate life before he was rescued by Cat Assistance, a non-profit pet rescue organization based in Ardsley. Found abandoned and neglected on the street, Lucky’s fur was completely matted and he was in very poor physical condition. But regardless of his plight, the four- year-old Lhasa Apso had a fabulous personality. Last year, after a trip to the veterinarian, neutering and vaccinations courtesy of Cat Assistance, Lucky was brought to the Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale in the hope of finding him a good, loving home. Cat Assistance has rescued, provided life-saving veterinary care for, and re-homed 200 abandoned cats and dogs in 2012.

While attending the Scarsdale Sidewalk Sale with his mom, Ally, Jake was immediately drawn to the cute little dog and the family took him home on a foster care basis. Fortunately, the Gallin family fell in love with the dog, who found an apt name and a forever home.  As a result of the gratifying adoption experience, Jake now encourages other families to adopt homeless animals from Cat Assistance as well as from other shelters and rescue groups.

Jake’s many volunteer accomplishments have been recognized with awards such as the Volunteer Center of the United Way’s 2012 New York Life Youth Leader Award and numerous certificates presented by local elected officials. “Jake Gallin Day” has been proclaimed twice in Westchester County; first when he spoke in front of the Westchester County Board of Legislators in 2011 and then again when he received the Volunteer Spirit Award in 2012.  

For more information about Jake’s charity work visit "Stars for Cars" on Facebook. For more information about Cat Assistance, visit www.CatAssistanceNY.org or call 914-667-7877.