STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Members of the Emergency Children’s Help Organization (ECHO) reprised their fun outdoor event for the third year at the RWJ Barnabas Field of Dreams Park in Toms River, N.J. for children who’ve benefited from ECHO’s funding.
The entrance to the Field of Dreams Park in Toms River, N.J (Courtesy/Susan Brienza)Staten Island Advance
More than 250 children, parents and friends gathered at the facility that provides an interactive playground for children and young adults with special needs, and enables kids to enjoy fun activities.
A parent and a child who benefit by ECHO's kindnesses, attend ECHO's Spring Picnic. (Courtesy/Deidi Negron)Staten Island Advance
Since the Charleston-based organization was founded by Sebastian Angelico in 2008, its mission has been to provide financial assistance to children experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency.
From the left, ECHO founder and chairman Sebastian Angelico, Michael Saburro, Frank Minniti and Vincent Scamardella. (Courtesy/Susan Brienza)Staten Island Advance
“Such a beautiful day for ECHO’s Third annual Spring Picnic... It is wonderful to see kids having such a great time. It is truly a blessing for ECHO to host this fantastic event,” Angelico said.
From the left, Jennifer DeNivo, John Pasquale and Denise Stallone. (Courtesy/Deidi Negron)Staten Island Advance
ECHO staffers distribute gift bags to children and families. (Courtesy/ Deidi Negron)Staten Island Advance
Each child received a gift bag with a beach towel, baseball cap, water bottle and rubber bracelet.
From the left, Pasquale Loporcaro and Vincent Angelico. (Courtesy/Susan Brienza)Staten Island Advance
“We want to sincerely thank our dedicated supporters for enabling ECHO to continue its mission of helping children with challenging medical situations,” added Pasquale Loporcaro, executive director of ECHO. “ECHO’s Spring Picnic at the RWJ Barnabas Tom’s River Field of Dreams is one of our favorite events of the year. God bless our ECHO family, recipients, board members, staff and donors alike.”
And Vincent Angelico, vice chairman of ECHO, noted: “We look forward to many more years of events like this which benefit ECHO’s recipients. We are committed to assisting as may children as possible throughout our footprint and are on pace to have a record year in giving.”
From the left, Florence Angelico and Dana Fiumefreddo. (Courtesy/Susan Brienza)Staten Island Advance
The afternoon was filled with baseball, miniature golf, basketball, food, and interaction time with one another.
From the left Anne Fiumefreddo, Sabrina Fleming and Gary Fleming. (Courtesy/Susan Brienza)Staten Island Advance
RWJ Barnabas Field of Dreams, located at the Ocean Orthopedic Associates Complex in Toms River, N.J., was designed specifically for special needs children and young adults.
VENDORS WHO HELPED ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE DAY
Monmouth Market donated food and refreshments, A deejay from Partners in Sound Productions , Joey G’s Joey G’s Memories/Video and A&E Promotions.