White Plains High School Student Honored for Philanthropy Work

Raina Kadavil, a junior at White Plains High School, was one of several people honored when the Association of Development Officers hosted its 10th annual Philanthropy Awards Breakfast earlier this month.

The Association of Development Officers, founded in 1980, is a charitable organization, dedicated to advancing fundraising and philanthropy in the Hudson Valley Region.

Kadavil, who is also a member of the White Plains Youth Bureau, received the Youth in Philanthropy Award for her commitment to local and international causes through DoSomething.org.

She also volunteers with “White Plains Reads,” a reading enrichment program, and “The Greening Project,” where teens learn from hands-on experience where their food comes from, as well as environmental issues such as recycling and water quality.

Other honorees at the breakfast included:

Janet Langsam, executive Director at Arts Westchester and an Armonk resident, received the Professional Friendraiser of the Year Award in recognition of her remarkable dedication to the arts and her outstanding ability to form strategic relationships.

William (Andy) Cahn III, an Armonk native, recieved the Nonprofit Board Member of the Year for his work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, Keewaydin Foundation, and Mt. Pleasant-Blythedale Union Free School District.

Emily and Eugene Grant, of Mamaroneck, recieved the 2013 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year. As avid supporters of higher education, the arts, and Jewish agencies and giving programs, they have been instrumental in helping organizations such as Purchase College and the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center reach their goals. Additionally, they have supported Westchester Community College Foundation, Food Bank of Westchester, Arts Westchester, the Emelin Theater, Caramoor, the Westchester Philharmonic, the Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges, the Westchester Holocaust Commission, the American Jewish Committee, the Metropolitan Opera Association, and

People’s United Community Foundation, received the Philanthropic Foundation Award for its generous support of area nonprofits that enhance the quality of life for residents, promote the economic development and well-being of neighborhoods, and support the educational and developmental needs of children and youth, with special emphasis given to programs and services in low-income areas.

WHUD 100.7, received the Community Partner Award for their community citizenship and efforts to help fundraisers and charitable organizations such as the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, Hope for Youth Foundation, Putnam ARC, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Support Connection, Hudson Valley Hospital, Graymoor, Girl Scouts, Women’s Resource Center, Make a Wish Foundation, and countless others.