Check for $10K Presented to Sandy Recovery Fund

This article was contributed by Westchester.gov

The Building & Realty Institute of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region presented a $10,000 check to benefit the Westchester County Disaster Recovery Fund, which was set up by Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino in partnership with the United Way of Westchester and Putnam to help provide long-term assistance to county residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

“We truly understand the severity of the loss because we are in construction and realty, and we wanted to have a positive impact in the recovery effort,” said Mike Beldotti, president of the Building & Realty Institute. “We are Westchester-based, so it was important that our contribution helped people locally.”

The fund – which will address long-term needs that are either not covered by insurance, other nonprofit agencies or government programs, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – is being administered by the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. The deadline to apply for assistance is Jan. 23.

Separately, Westchester residents and business owners have until Jan. 28 to file for federal assistance for damages associated with Hurricane Sandy under an extension announced by FEMA.

“It’s really great to see the groundswell of support for Westchester residents affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Naomi Adler, CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “United Way staff is still getting calls from residents in desperate situations and we are inspired by donations like this so our neighbors can finally get help.”

To make a donation or to learn more, visit www.UWWP.org, click on the “GIVE” button, and select “Disaster Fund.” Checks can be made out to “United Way of Westchester and Putnam - Disaster Recovery Fund” and mailed to the United Way of Westchester and Putnam at 336 Central Ave., White Plains, NY, 10606. You may also dial 2-1-1 for recovery assistance.

 “I want to thank the Building & Realty Institute for its generous contribution in support of the people and families of Westchester,” said Astorino. “The Disaster Recovery Fund will be an important tool in helping our residents rebuild after the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. This is a neighbors-helping-neighbors fund. The money people donate will stay right here in Westchester.”

Founded in 1946, the Building & Realty Institute is one of the largest construction, development and real-estate related industry trade associations in the state. The Westchester-based organization has more than 1,500 members, primarily in the Westchester and mid-Hudson Valley region.