The Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) announced its annual gala on Sunday May 4, at 5:30 pm at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown. This evening will raise crucial funds to support the Center’s Tuition Assistance Program. The event will spotlight three community champions—Martin Engelhardt, former Ossining Food Pantry President; Mirla Morrison, retired teacher and former board president of the Ossining Children’s Center; and Andrea Sauro, Master Gardener and Environmental Educator.
For 130 years, the Ossining Children’s Center has been a beacon of hope and support for working families, providing high-quality educational child care regardless of income. This year’s Gala celebrates the Center’s legacy and the extraordinary individuals who embody its commitment to community.
Engelhardt led the Ossining Food Pantry for 30 years, serving 400 families weekly while ensuring food delivery to the Center for OCC families. During Martin’s tenure. The Food Pantry established its food delivery service to child care centers, ensuring that busy low-income working families could receive groceries from the Pantry.Morrison, with her 28-year tenure as a Social Studies teacher at Ossining High School, continues to inspire through her volunteer work for the Children’s Center and her college scholarship initiative for OCC alumni.
Sauro leads OCC’s garden program. which engages children in tilling the soil; planting vegetables, herbs and flowers; harvesting their “crop;” preparing food and eating the bounty they have grown. The children learn – through hands-on – about the life cycle of plants, our local ecosystem and nutrition.
“After nearly 30 years in education, I’ve seen how a caring community can shape a child’s future,” remarked honoree Morrison. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Ossining Children’s Center—it’s a heartening reminder that every bit of support matters. I started the scholarship for OCC alumni because I believe every child deserves a fair chance to succeed, and I’m committed to helping make that a reality.”
For more information on how you can be part of the evening visit www.ossiningchildrenscenter.org.
