back  print 

Foundation Names New Board Members

Attorney Charles B. Norris and restaurant owner Casey Egan were recently appointed to the board of directors of The Breadwinners Foundation.

The White Plains not for profit provides short term financial assistance throughout the region to families confronting economic hardship due to the tragic loss of a primary breadwinner.

Norris is an attorney with Curan, Ahlers, Fiden & Norris. Active in the local community for many years, he is a former member of the Human Rights Committee of United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester; the White Plains City School District’s site based decision making committee and annual budget committee. Currently, in addition to serving on the foundation’s Board, he also serves on the Board of the White Plains Youth Soccer Association and is the first male Co-President of the White Plains High School PTA.

Egan, operating partner of The Black Bear Saloon on Mamaroneck Avenue, is a lifelong resident of White Plains. His philanthropic activities include assisting the YMCA, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “I had the pleasure of attending one of the foundation’s fundraising events and I was impressed with this grass roots effort of neighbor helping neighbor”, Egan explained. “Life is unpredictable and it can change so quickly, sometimes with heartbreaking outcomes. Right now in my life, I’m in a good position to help and I feel honored that the Board has chosen me to help them move the agency to the next level.”

Founder and president Keith J. Ahlers saw the need more than five years ago after his brother’s short illness and untimely death left a family of five with few resources. Norris, a close family friend, said, “I saw first hand the impact of that death including the crushing financial toll. As the primary breadwinner for my family, this hit me in a very deep and personal place. What if something unexpected occurred in my life and I could no longer provide for my family? The Breadwinners Foundation offers support to families in these types of circumstances, and I feel privileged to be a part of that effort”.

“Together, Charlie and Casey bring extensive volunteer experience in the community, contagious enthusiasm, considerable knowledge and a real personal touch to the foundation Board” said Ahlers. “We are extremely pleased to be able to count on their guidance and excited that they are already making a valuable contribution, raising community awareness about our mission.” An ardent golfer, Egan is putting his talents to work as the Chairperson for the foundation’s annual golf outing which is scheduled for June 2006. Norris, a longtime runner, will participate in the Westchester Marathon in October 2006 as a benefit for the foundation.

For more information about The Breadwinners Foundation please call 914-686-0690.