New City|Neighbor News|
WCFR to Honor 2026 Scholarship Recipients at 15th Anniversary Gala
Four college students pursuing careers in healthcare will receive scholarship awards during WCFR’s milestone celebration on September 19.

Meet Patch Mayor Jacqueline Cassagnol: 'I love to give back to my community'
NANUET, NY — Nanuet Patch Mayor Jacqueline Cassagnol loves to give back to her community. She is the Founder and President of Worldwide Community First Responder, and a Founding Member and Past Vice-President of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce.
"Patch Editor Lanning Taliaferro encouraged me to become a Patch Mayor. It's a wonderful program for people who post frequently on their local Patch.”
“I am a nursing professor with my Master's Degree in Nursing Administration and Post Master's Degree in Nursing Education. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing at Pace University."
She is very involved in the community and has volunteered in many nonprofit organizations locally and abroad, other than Worldwide Community First Responder, Inc. and the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce. She is a Rockland Community Emergency Responsive Team member, a Leadership Rockland member, a Haitian American Nurses Association member, and a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing member.
She has been recognized with numerous distinguished awards for her community services. Ms. Cassagnol was honored as a “rising star” by the Rockland Economic Development Corporation at the organization’s 13th Annual Forty Under 40 Reception. She was also honored as the “safe community” award winner by Volunteer New York at the organization’s 35th Annual Volunteer Spirit Awards Breakfast Benefit; as “nurse of the year” by March of Dimes at the organization’s Fifth Annual Nurse of the Year Gala in New York; and as the “nurse of the year and president’s choice” award winner by HANA of Rockland County, Inc. at the organization’s Seventh Annual Scholarships & Fundraising Awards Gala in New York. She was highlighted in the Spirits of Nurses' Week by Rockland County Times in May 2017, and was named Hudson Valley Hero in June 2017. She was also highlighted in “Making an Impact in Rockland” by the Journal News in November 2017.
Her love for giving back to her community inspired her to be a Patch Mayor.
What she loves about Nanuet: I love the businesses in Nanuet! They have been very supportive of nonprofits such as Worldwide Community First Responder in their mission "to prevent deaths worldwide through education and training". They have shown their support by donating monetarily and non-monetarily to WCFR, sponsoring WCFR events and activities, and fundraising for WCFR projects and programs. Some of those businesses are Rockland Bakery, Accucare Nursing, Mercedes Benz of Nanuet, Wendy's, Stop & Shop, and Circle Collision Center. We are so fortunate to have businesses like theirs in Nanuet who are willing to support nonprofit organizations like WCFR.
Best place to eat in Nanuet: The best place to eat in Nanuet is P.F. Chang's. Their food is so delicious. I felt in love with this restaurant when I was invited to their grand opening five years ago and was introduced to their food.
Best place to visit in Nanuet: The best place to visit in Nanuet is the Shops at Nanuet. Five years ago, I was the Vice President of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce when most of the shops opened their doors. I was invited to their ribbon cutting ceremonies and was glad to attend most of them. You can literally spend the whole day at the Shops at Nanuet shopping, getting pampered at the spa, eating at the restaurants, and watching a movie.
A Nanuet hidden gem: Nanuet Family Resource Center. They do such great work. I have enjoyed working with the Executive Director, Rose Ann Mercado in different projects such as the Nanuet Family Day and WCFR Help Fight Hunger. The Nanuet Family Resource Center’s goal is to support all Nanuet School District families and their children to best develop and achieve both academically and personally. They encourage parents to be partners in their child’s education by linking community, family and school.
Meet Patch Mayor Jacqueline Cassagnol: 'I love to give back'
By Lanning Taliaferro https://patch.com/new-york/nanuet/meet-patch-mayor-jacqueline-cassagnol-i-love-give-back
New Non-Profit in Town Lends Help Worldwide
By: Kim Train http://pearlriver.patch.com/articles/new-non-profit-in-town-lends-help-worldwide#photo-10753742
Four college students pursuing careers in healthcare will receive scholarship awards during WCFR’s milestone celebration on September 19.

Arya Family Foundation and Unapologetic Foods support WCFR’s lifesaving mission as Premier Sponsors of its 15th Anniversary Gala
Lauren Shields will be remembered for her compassion, service, and lasting impact, including her special commitment to WCFR’s Bikes for Kids
Spring Valley Food Fair owners honored for their commitment to giving back, supporting families, and strengthening their community.
Dr. Clovis Raymond, psychiatrist, educator, author and Army veteran, will be honored at WCFR’s 15th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 19.
Premier Sponsors join WCFR's 15th Anniversary Gala honoring Dr. Mukul Arya, Oswaldo & Eva Carrera, and Dr. Clovis Raymond.
Caribbean Food Delights executives, employees, elected officials, community leaders, and project partners gather for the ceremonial ribbon.
Award recognizes his leadership in advanced endoscopy, medical education, and service to underserved communities.
Organization seeks to spotlight innovators and frontline leaders transforming healthcare and strengthening communities globally.
Honoring Jorge Folch with WCFR’s New York Hero Award for his selfless service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to community.
WCFR honors Dr. Sheila Pongnon with the Lifesaving Partner Award for her outstanding commitment to women’s health and community care.
Celebrating Lawrence A. DeVencentis, WCFR’s Humanitarian of the Year, for his decades of leadership, generosity, and community impact.
WCFR Gala marks 14 years of teaching people, saving lives—honoring heroes, awarding scholarships & advancing our mission.
The Jamaican born business leader died at her residence on August 30, 2024, after a lengthy battle with kidney and heart diseases.
The WCFR "Great Gatsby" themed 10+3 Anniversary & Fundraising Gala ~ Presented by Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital will be on 9.21.24.
The WCFR "Great Gatsby" themed 10+3 Anniversary & Fundraising Gala ~ Presented by Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital will be on 9.21.24.
The WCFR "Great Gatsby" themed 10+3 Anniversary & Fundraising Gala ~ Presented by Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital will be on 9.21.24.
WCFR is introducing three new Sabrina HoSang Jordan Scholarship Awards, expanding its reach and impact within the community.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, WCFR is educating community members about how to cope with stress and anxiety.
This free event will be held on January 1st, 2024 at the Church of Saint Joseph in Spring Valley, NY.