A Century of Service to the Community: Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School
By Dr. Pola Rosen
Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School in Westchester grew out of a need to care for children that were troubled, abused, violent and probably headed for a life of despair, perhaps even prison. One hundred years ago a group of dedicated individuals from the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services decided to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these children.
Under the leadership of attorney David Everett, Westchester Divisional Board Chair, $1 million was raised at the Pierre Hotel on March 1, to ensure the continuation of helping young people throughout the New York City area.
Everett continues the long-standing philanthropic tradition of his parents, Edith and the late Henry Everett who, among many other endeavors, have funded the Everett Children’s Garden at the NY Botanical Gardens.
According to David Everett, Iraq War veteran, we get so much back from contributing to people’s lives and making such a difference in a youngster’s life.
Honorees included Jay and Karen Kasner and IBM volunteers. Notable among the young people whose lives were changed was Julie Koshechkina, age 21, who lived at Hawthorne for four years, worked at David Everett’s office and will soon receive an RN degree at LaGuardia Community College in Queens. In speaking to Education Update, she expressed such joy and appreciation for leaving despair behind and embracing a fulfillment of a dream, a nursing career. She attributes it all to Hawthorne and Mr. Everett.#
