Grappa Market raffle to support BackPack Snack Attack program huge success

Effort raises more than $3,000 for supplemental food program for kids Warwick — On Sunday, Dec. 18, a drawing was held at the Grappa Market on Railroad Avenue in the Village of Warwick to select the winners of the first BackPack Snack Attack raffle. Warwick resident Michelle Gleason was the winner of the grand prize, a holiday basket from Grappa Market. Thanks to gift certificate contributions from Grappa Market, Grappa Ristorante, Dautaj Restaurant, La Petite Cuisine, Eddie’s Roadhouse and Taco Hombre and cash donations from Rosita Gilsenen, Bill Iurato, Jonah Mandelbaum as well as the staff of the Florida School District, the first BackPack Snack Attack raffle raised $3,250. Tony Sylaj, owner of both Grappa Market and Grappa Ristorante, was a major influence in contacting the businesses involved. The Backpack Snack Attack program began in January 2009 as a way to make sure that elementary school children in this area always have enough to eat. The Warwick Reformed Church on Maple Avenue originated this program, available to public elementary schools in Warwick, Florida, Pine Island and Greenwood Lake. And it has been supported by many businesses. Program volunteers stuff backpacks with food for needy children to enable them to eat at home on weekends when the free breakfast and lunch meals they receive at school are not available. There are about 120 children currently enrolled. “To protect their identity the schools provide a number assigned to each needy child,” explained Program Director Shirley Puett. The backpacks, with individually sized and ready to eat or microwave ready food items are sent home with the children every Friday and returned to the schools the following Monday. Puett and Assistant Director Jay Rowland, were very pleased with the outcome of the initiative spearheaded by committee member Len Singer. Essential information For more information about the BackPack Snack Attack program visit www.warwickreformedchurch.org.