For Rose and Jennifer Colonna, owners of Banksville -based gifting company Tasteful Treats and Treasures, charity begins at home.
That’s why the mother/daughter team regularly donates to nonprofits that make a difference in their hometown community of North Castle (which includes Armonk, Banksville and North White Plains), including recent donations to local charities Adopt-A-Dog and the Armonk Outdoor Art Show.
“We've always believed in the importance of giving back,” said Jennifer Colonna. “In Judaism we call it ‘Tikkun Olam,’ or the idea that acts of kindness can help repair the world.” Rose Colonna added, “Growing up, I was taught the importance of charitable endeavors. I’m proud to have passed that tradition on to Jennifer. In our faith we call it L’dor va’dor*.”
In late September, Armonk-based Animal rescue organization Adopt-A-Dog sent over two trucks full of more than 100 items to be wrapped for the silent auction planned for the Puttin’ on the Dog Adoptions & For Fun Pet Festival at Greenwich’s Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. The annual fundraiser event featured dogs and cats available for adoption, pet-related vendors and live music.
“It was a large undertaking - we had to stop all our other work for three days and needed our whole staff there for all hands on deck,” said Jennifer Colonna. “Gifts of all shapes and sizes were covering our floor, and our team just organized them then worked our way through to have them in time for the event.”
The Colonna’s are animal lovers, and Jennifer for the last few years she has volunteered at Adopt-A-Dog doing everything from walking dogs at their shelter to gift wrapping and helping promote events.
Adopt-A-Dog is also one of the participating charities in the 'Treats Gives Back' program, which enables customers calling in orders or purchasing online to select a participating charity at checkout, which donates a portion of their purchase to the charity at no cost to the consumer.
“Tasteful Treats and Treasures is a valuable asset to the community and to Adopt-A-Dog,” said Adopt-A-Dog Executive Director Kristen Rice. “We are truly grateful for their support and generosity, and the dedication shown to our cause speaks volumes about their altruistic nature.”
Another recent financial donation supported the local library.
The 54th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show showcased a diverse array of art featuring more than 185 American and International artists and raised more than $100,000 in net revenue. Proceeds from the Art Show, sponsored by Friends of the North Castle Public Library, Inc., benefitted the town’s libraries.
Jennifer Colonna said the library is a staple of their community that provides many wonderful activities for all ages. She remembers studying there all throughout her school years from walking there in middle school all the way through going there to study for finals in college.
“Charitable giving enables us to support the causes we care about by helping them accomplish their goals and bring awareness to their causes,” said Rose Colonna.
Adopt-A-Dog is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission has been to Save, Socialize and Secure Loving Homes for Unwanted or Abandoned Dogs and Cats and has been serving the tri-state area and beyond for over three decades. The shelter, located in Armonk, is open seven days a week. Adopt-A-Dog's dedicated staff and volunteers strive to provide the best care possible while the animals are at the shelter awaiting safe and permanent homes.
For more information, call (914) 273 – 1674 or visit http://www.adopt-a-dog.org/.
Named one of “The Elite 100” Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs in the US by Art Fair Sourcebook and among the top “Fine Art and Design Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the54th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show continues its long tradition of showcasing a fresh and diverse array of art. In 2015, over 185 juried artists from 31 states, Israel and Canada, were featured—42 new to the show. A broad spectrum of media to suit every taste and budget was on display, including painting, mixed media, printmaking/drawing/pastels, sculpture, photography/digital art, wearable art, and fine crafts. Next year’s Armonk Outdoor Art Show will be September 24-25, 2016. For further information, visit www.armonkoutdoorartshow.org.
Established in 2002, Tasteful Treats & Treasures is a premiere gifting company located in Westchester County, NY. As a full service gift provider we specialize in a wide range of custom creations for any & every occasion working with you and within your budget. A sampling of gift selections includes Gourmet Food & Wine Gift Baskets; Corporate Gifts & Promotional Products; Holiday Gift Baskets; Birthday, Thank You, Get Well, & special occasion baskets; Balloons, Gift Wrapping, Banners & Ribbon Imprinting; and Bereavement & Shiva Gift Baskets
For more information, call (800) 425-9226 or visit www.tastefultreats.com/.
* The belief in passing on good teachings of being your best self and helping others from generation to generation.
