
By: Albert Coqueran
Published: December 20, 2007
The rain and snowy weather did not stop an estimated 150 shoppers from lining up to meet New York Knick Jamal Crawford at The Westchester on Sunday.
Crawford was hosting his annual “Giving Tree” charity initiative, which is sponsored by his Jamal Crawford Foundation to benefit Family Services of Westchester.
Following the concept of the “Giving Tree,” nearly 250 gifts and $300 in gift cards were exchanged by shoppers for an autographed photo of Crawford and a Knicks T-shirt. Furthermore, shoppers who brought three or more gifts were entitled to free Knicks tickets.
“To have someone like Jamal come forward and collect all these presents makes the children feel like someone does care,” said Deborah Wilson, special events coordinator for Family Services of Westchester.
Adults and children alike greeted the Knicks superstar and contributed gifts. Theo Vicioso of White Plains, who was to turn 10 years old the following day, was escorted by his mother Jill and accompanied by his older brother Danilo and friend Zach Smith.
Jared Lindh, a White Plains eight year-old, and his mother Julia stood on line to meet Crawford and exchange gifts. “I am not only doing this to meet Jamal Crawford, I am also doing it for the children,” said young Jared.
Crawford lives in White Plains during the Knicks season. “I live in White Plains and it is always good to support your
neighborhood,” Crawford said. “This event is such a joy for me.”
The President of the Jamal Crawford Foundation is Matthew Wade, who organized the “Giving Tree” event. After Crawford collected gifts, he took three lucky Little Brothers from Family Services on a shopping spree and treated them to IPods and Timberland boots.
Photo credit: Albert Coqueran
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