Habitat for Humanity of Westchester hosts award dinner

Every June, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester holds its American Dream Awards to recognize partners and sponsors.

Though held in other communities in past years, this year “we thought we’d bring it to New Rochelle at the historic Chase bank on Main Street,” said James Killoran, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, of the June 12 event attended by about 200.

Bronxville High School raised $10,000 for the nonprofit; restaurants on New Rochelle”™s Main Street donated food, and contemporary pop artist Charles Fazzino donated a new work with proceeds to benefit the nonprofit.

“During a tough economic year, everyone just really chipped in on Main Street,” Killoran said. “I really believe main streets are where you’ll see the development around the county being centered. This is really probably the most historically important year for Habitat of Westchester because market prices have gone down and the ability for people in the community to have the chance to own a home will increase to the average working family. We believe we will have opportunities to build. One of our goals is affordable condos around main streets. We are going to be creating local committees across the county.”

The New Rochelle-based nonprofit has its headquarters as well as two stores on Main Street ”“ called ReStores ”“ that sell discounted personal, home and construction items, so the historic Chase building was a logical choice for the festivities, which included the unveiling of the new piece by Fazzino, who has a studio in the city.

“New Rochelle has a great history of art and music,” Killoran said. “Our artist in history is Norman Rockwell, who elevated the common person.”