~ Letter to -the -Editor ~ Orange Rose Foundation Thanks Walkers and Sponsors for Another Successful Event

Dear Editor,

Orange Rose Foundation, the City of Everett and Mayor DeMaria, Amata Cucuzza, Carmine & Giuseppe Matarazzo and the Cataldo Family thank all who participated in and supported this year’s Walk For Ersilia 5K. Whether you walked, bought a raffle ticket or made a donation, please know we are grateful and that your contribution is making a difference. While this 5th annual Walk honored the life of Ersilia Cataldo, whose sincere commitment to help persons in need was an inspiration to us all, the Walk also sought to raise awareness of the horrific aspects of domestic violence. It is a problem that is difficult and disturbing to learn of, however, domestic violence must be discussed openly so that our communities and caring citizens can do more to help those victimized, mostly women and children.  We also hope to raise awareness to the amazing programs in our area that work hard to help victims of domestic violence, including Portal To Hope.

Thank you to our sponsors who join us in this mission to help. Our Angel Sponsors fortify the

way: Portal To Hope, Sabatino / Mastrocola Insurance Agency, Metro Credit Union,

EverettBank, Peter Conti & family, Vin Panzini & family, Michele & Eddie Bauer and Everett

Advocate Newspaper. Also, our Leader Sponsors: McKinnon’s Butcher Shop and Laschi

Hairstylists & Day Spa. Our Principal Sponsors: Senator Sal DiDomenico & family, Eagle Bank and FKO Afterschool. Our Directors: East Cambridge Savings Bank, Frederick Cafasso & Sons, Atty. Joseph D. Cataldo, Anthony DiPierro & family and Universal Screening Studio.

All proceeds from the Walk For Ersilia benefit programs like Portal To Hope, WAAV and MAAV.

We as a foundation and family continue to learn the needs of those effected by domestic violence and continue to support programs that do so much in our communities like:

WAAV, MAAV and PTH.  Portal To Hope began the Ersilia Stabilization Program.  This program helps clients in need of extended emergency shelter, utility assistance and other direct care services that help stabilize families as they work to overcome domestic violence crime victimization.  We are honored to support a program in Ersilia’s name that provides much needed help.

These organizations are so incredibly busy providing the needed help to victims, that we are committed to help in any way we can.

Thank you again for all your support. We had a very successful walk and know you are all making a difference.  We look forward to the walk next year!

• The Orange Rose Foundation