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Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

Four deserving students left school with new pairs of sneakers thanks to a donation from Jude Sainjour, cofounder of Buttafly, a clothing shop in Mount Vernon. Mr. Sainjour traveled to Grimes School to personally give the students their new shoes on Friday, September 22, 2023.

"The community means everything,” said Mr Sainjour. “Without community, there is no business, there is no infrastructure, there’s nothing. So, giving back to the community is everything. I just wanted to make sure that we made those kids’ days. They deserved to get those shoes.”

While the students attended the giveaway on Wednesday, September 20, they were unable to receive shoes in their size. Nakia Hiland, school liaison and director of Safe Place for our Girls, stepped in with her partnership to Mr. Sainjour, who agreed right away and made sure they received their shoes. 

Once at the school, it was discovered that another student who was on the list for Wednesday's giveaway could not make it because his mother's car broke down. Mr Sainjour went back to his shop and found a pair of sneakers, Timberland boots and fresh socks for the boy. 

Jude entering school with sneakers in tow
Nakia and Jude speaking to students
Jude handing sneakers to students

 

Students lined up to fill their plates.

Students at Hamilton School gathered around to give thanks and appreciate one another before Thanksgiving break with a feast on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The arrangement of food included turkey, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and various desserts brought by families from the school community. 

Coach Cimmino Hall of Fame

Coach Robert Cimmino was inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Coach Cimmino received this recognition for his exceptional career coaching the Mount Vernon Knights varsity boys' basketball team.