Mall honors local youth Staff Report MT.
VERNON — Ten outstanding kids were recognized in April for their care, compassion and charitable contributions to the community during the third annual Kids With Heart event. Among the 10 finalists, Molly Setzekorn was selected as the 2009 grand-prize winner, according to information from Bethany Benjamin, Times Square Mall manager. Setzekorn “has embraced the spirit of Kids With Heart through her selfless acts of kindness.” From raising money for children who don’t receive gifts at Christmas to sending socks, hats and gloves to soldiers in Afghanistan, Molly’s kindness is constant, information states. Prizes included a $500 donation to the charity of the grand-prize winner’s choice and 10 shopping sprees worth $100 each for all Kids With Heart finalists. “Molly Setzekorn is a wonderful example of the best human nature has to offer,” said Benjamin. “We are so pleased to make a $500 charitable donation in her name to Pat’s Kids — The Poshard Foundation and to give Molly Setzekorn $100 to spend on herself.” “Kids With Heart is an inspiring program that recognizes the positive things youth in our community are contributing every day,” Benjamin continued. “The event was enjoyed by everyone in attendance, including teachers, parents, the finalists and our management team. We hope that Kids With Heart encourages more kids to get involved in the community and that we can continue to grow the program in the future.” The following local children were chosen as finalists for the Kids With Heart award: Josh Donoho, 16 Kelsey Richardson, 15 Brendon and Bailey Donoho, 10 & 6 AJ Harris, 16 Nicolle Patton, 15 Dakota Pulley, 10 Donchel Harris, 10 Javontay Moss, 10 and JaWaun Stuckey, 11. Each of them will receive a $100 shopping spree for their compassionate and caring works. A new twist on the 2009 Kids With Heart program was the introduction of a volunteer initiative supporting National Volunteer Month, according to information. “We are really excited about the new timing of Kids With Heart, as it allows us to expand the program with a volunteer initiative supporting National Volunteer Month in April,” said Benjamin. “We look forward to working with more nonprofit organizations in the community during the 2010 Kids With Heart program.” Times Square Mall, located at 42nd and Broadway, is open daily. For more information you may visit thetimessquaremall.com. More from the Local section