Educators Who Helped 'Clothe The Children' Honored By Rotary Club

EAST HAVEN, CT — The East Haven Rotary Club recently recognized East Haven teachers and administrators for their help in raising funds for the Club’s 20th Annual Ben Mazzucco Clothe the Children event.

Each year, the principals and/or teachers at each of the elementary schools, and James M. Melillo Middle School, coordinate various fundraising events, with the proceeds for the Clothe the Children campaign.

At a recent Rotary dinner meeting at Twin Pines Diner, these educators were guests, and where they were thanked for all their efforts for this year’s event: Tuttle School principal Christopher Brown, Ferrara School math coach Maryann Brennan and principal Paul DeBernardo, Deer Run School principal Laura Cretella, paraprofessional Marisol Hanlon and reading consultant Gina Racino.

"Through the efforts of these individuals each school contributed significant dollars for the Rotary Clothe the Children, which is vital for the program’s continued sustainability, while promoting the spirit of 'children helping children,'" a news release reads.

"Each school in the system did take part but some coordinators were unable to attend this year’s Rotary recognition dinner meeting. Just these three schools collected over $4,300 through all their various fund-raising efforts," it was noted.

Additionally, paraprofessional Marisol Hanlon agreed to attend the three-day event to translate for the families accompanying their children.

On a Saturday in January, children, ones recommended by school administrators, and their parents/guardians meet Rotarians at Kohl’s in Branford and are able to shop for items of $100 in per child. The program was the creation of Rotarian Ben Mazzucco, who each year coordinated the event until his passing some years ago. This year’s chairperson was Tammy Mazzucco Afragola, Mazzucco’s daughter. She has actively participated in the program, each year since she joined East Haven Rotary several years ago. During the past 20 years, the East Haven Rotary 'Clothe the Children' program has provided clothing for well over 1300 children, which with Kohl’s generous discounts, totals over $120,000 worth of merchandise that they have received.