16 Jan Goalie makes saves for Ronald McDonald House

Blind Brook goalie creates “SAVETOBER” and raises $5,892 for Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley

The following piece was written by Jackson Scala, a freshman at Blind Brook high school and member of the school’s hockey team. An accomplished goalie, Jackson embodies what it means to be a team player, both on and off the ice.

“Hi, my name is Jackson Scala and I am a youth ambassador for the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation.  I was really excited to be chosen to be a youth ambassador because I think it’s so important to give back to your community when you can. 

For my independent service project, I wanted to help the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. The Ronald McDonald House is located next to Maria Fareri Children’s hospital in Valhalla and is a place where families can stay when their children are sick in the hospital.  I spent a week in the hospital over Christmas one year, and I know it was very hard on my parents.  They would have loved to stay in a place like the Ronald McDonald House.  They offer a warm and welcoming environment, which is so helpful in stressful times.

In order to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, I created an initiative called “Savetober.”  I am a hockey goalie in Rye, NY, and I wanted to ask people to pledge money per save I made in 5 games in the month of October.  People could pledge per save, or they could offer a flat donation.

I was able to make 102 saves in those 5 games and raised $5,892 for the Ronald McDonald House in order to help them provide for these very deserving families.  I’m really proud of all that the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation has helped me do, and I’m excited to keep helping Ronald McDonald House in the future.” 

Our House is incredibly thankful for Jackson’s gift and the time, planning and effort it took for Jackson to raise this money. This donation will help provide families the opportunity to spend every minute possible at their child’s side.

We would also like to thank Jackson’s entire family for being dedicated volunteers at our House, donating their time to cook meals for the families who are staying at the House. And thank you to the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation for providing Jackson and their team of youth ambassadors with the support and encouragement to help others. Your efforts help ease the burden felt by families during incredibly difficult times.