GAYNOR GIVES BACK

In order to carry on the Stephen Gaynor School value to raise awareness of our local and global communities, each year Gaynor observes a Day of Service to support a global cause or a local community in need to teach students the importance of giving back. This year, we’ve initiated Gaynor Gives Back, a series of stories shared by members of our community that celebrates the many ways one can give back and the difference it can make not only in one's own life but in others' lives. To kick off this initiative, we reached out to our wonderful alumni community to ask them how and why they continue to give back after leaving Gaynor.

Jackson Potter ’09

The reason I give back and do everything I can to assist and help others is because I've been leant a helping hand so many times in life: whether at Gaynor in regard to my learning differences, UCLA while writing my thesis, or simply in my day-to-day life by family, friends, and fellow New Yorkers. This holiday season I'm proud to have participated in a turkey meal giveaway at work where we were able to give out just over one thousand Thanksgiving meals to New Yorkers in need. Additionally, I'm preparing a toy and coat drive at work for those that may find themselves in need of a little assistance or support. At the end of the day, it's important to do your part, because we live in an uncertain time, and you never know when you may need to turn to someone for help. Also, it feels good to help someone else out!

Daniela Marton ’12

I initiated my own community service project to aid rural schools in Uruguay, South America — a country I consider to be my second home as my mother was born and raised there. Uruguay faces difficulties educating children in rural areas because of the limited educational resources. Knowing that I wanted to help, I identified two schools that were most in need of microscopes, computers, clothes, and toys. Through extensive outreach, networking, and establishing fundraisers and donation centers, I was able to procure the resources needed for the schools. Being able to hand-deliver the supplies to both schools and witnessing their sincere gratitude was the best part. Community service has always been a strong passion of mine. Knowing that I’m able to make a small difference in a person’s life is an incredible concept that I recommend to all.

Nick Kenner ’90

From late March through June of 2020, I decided to have Just Salad partner with Mount Sinai to deliver 10,000 meals per week. We donated over a million dollars' worth of food to local NYC hospitals. Local hospitals wanted our help, and we wanted nothing more than to help our local healthcare heroes. The entire Just Salad company rallied around this decision — it gave us purpose in a time of confusion. Great companies make great decisions in critical times. The economic ramifications of this decision are little in the scheme of things, but the work we did during this time will live on in the soul of this company and the individuals that made this happen, forever. (Nick Kenner is the founder and CEO of Just Salad.)

Todd Feltman, Ph.D. ’86

I have been an educator for approximately 23 years. I am fortunate to have memorable experiences as a Gaynor student, and although I only attended for two years, it helped me become a well-rounded pedagogue and school administrator. I give back to the community through teaching, coaching, and building relationships with my students. I am passionate about educating the whole child, and I believe every student has the power to make the world a better place. They need the right guidance, engagement, and motivation. I wrote an interactive handbook, Mentoring My Elementary and Middle School Students to Become Powerful Navigators of Success to guide and support children and young adults. Giving back is an important value in my life.

Andrew Ferrante ’20

I do community service through Scouting as a fun activity and a way to give back to my community. For example, once a year I help clean up the local waterways by picking up garbage, and I participate in the annual Thanksgiving food drive. I am a Den Chief in the Boy Scouts, which means I help lead the younger Scouts. This year, I completed my Eagle Scout project, which was to build 10-15 nest boxes in the park near my house to help regrow the bird population. Through this project, I led a group of Scouts to build and install the nest boxes. By May, I was excited to see that almost all of the nest boxes had inhabitants. I have found if we all work together, small efforts can make a big difference in our community and our world.