Henry Junghans pictures the as the kind of place where people are lifted up.
And they are. Almost 2,000 families receive food, clothes and educational assistance from the Northern Westchester nonprofit.
Junghans' drawing—which showed one individual holding a bunch of balloons and soaring over the center—depicting the center's work and marking its 20th anniversary was selected among 60 entries from local children to be splashed across a commemorative tote bag now available to the community.
When asked what he thought about his drawing gracing the front of 500 bags Junghans, 9, said "I like it!"
He and 20 other kids who received honorable mentions for their work were invited to a reception at the center Tuesday night. The ceremony was another celebration for the center which also honoring one of its founders, Ralph Van Sicklin.
Staff at the judged the contest entries, according to Paige Poe, the center's communications director. They selected one winner and said there were so many other stand-out drawings they wanted to give "honorable mentions" to more of the young artists.
Kate Radom of Bedford Hills said she never expected to be recognized.
"I definitely didn't think it would happen," she said. Her mothers, Sue Radom, said the event was a terrific way to get young people involved in the center's work.
The 500 bags were sponored by the Northeast Westchester Rotary Club, a service organization, which got involved in the event because of its mission, "service above self," according to Robert Herber, past president, who gave some brief remarks at the event. Current president Patricia Ploss also attended, as did several members of the organization.
The bags will be available at some local shops, including Contact the center for more information.
The center's geographic reach stretches from just north of I-287 to Peeksill, from the Connecticut line to the Hudson River. Last year 1,800 families from 30 communities received service from CCNW.
The winners are listed below:
Henry Junghans, winner, age 8
Finalists:
Alejandra Luna, 11
Alex Needham, 13
Amanda Buchman, 7
Carla Ruiz, 7
Dani Meyer, 13
Dani Roban, 8
Daniella Danisi, 9
Elanagh Smith, 11
Isabel Seaborn, 13
Jessenia Fernandez, 8
Juliana Zhina, 10
Julio Barco, 7
Kaitlyn Corsi, 9
Kate Radom, 10
Kyle Heller, 13
Lauren Berman, 13
Max Buchman, 9 1/2
Natalie Harrington, 13
Remy Ruiz, 12
Sawyer Reed, 8
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