GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus accepted a $2,500 check from Nirvana FC soccer club on Thursday, April 23rd to benefit the Office for the Aging’s (OFA) Senior Meals Program during the COVID-19 crisis.
Neuhaus was joined at the check presentation at the County’s Emergency Services Center by Nirvana FC president Bobby Czumak, his wife, Vice President, Jenn Czumak, and OFA Director AnnMarie Maglione.
“We are proud to accept this generous donation from Nirvana and the Czumak family which will assist us in ensuring that our seniors continue to receive these meals during the COVID-19 situation,” Neuhaus said. “In this unprecedented time, our OFA has added many needy individuals to the program, including seniors and other residents. The Office for the Aging has collaborated with other County Departments, volunteers and local organizations to deliver these meals and we are grateful that Nirvana has stepped up to assist this community partnership.”
The OFA will utilize the funding to provide meals throughout Orange County. According to Maglione, the OFA provides approximately 1,100 meals per day and that number has continued to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nirvana, regarded as one of the top club soccer programs in the state, is based out of Washingtonville. It was formed in 1988 by Bobby and Jenn Czumak. Jenn coaches the Washingtonville girls’ varsity soccer team and teaches art at Taft Elementary School in the district. Nirvana made the donation through its 501 (C) (3) non-profit, Humankindness Inc. Bobby Czumak said Nirvana’s philosophy is to inspire confidence, develop life skills, instill a lifelong passion for the game, and promote friendship through soccer.
Bobby Czumak noted that he and his wife made the donation on behalf of their players, who are mainly from Orange County, and hopes that it inspires them to continue to volunteer and give back to their communities.
“I want to thank Nirvana for their generosity during this time of great need in Orange County,” Maglione said. “I am very proud of our OFA staff, who continues to serve the needs of the older adults in our community. The funding comes at a critical time in our program, which is so important and is much more than just a meal. Delivering the meals helps residents feel less alone. They know that we care and are thinking about them.”
The Office for the Aging’s Senior Meals program helps provide seniors with fresh, nutritious meals. During the COVID-19 crisis, the State has waived the over 65 regulations for the Office for the Aging and they have been assisting the needy of all ages in Orange County.
For more information about the program, contact the office at 845-615-3700 or email OFA Director AnnMarie Maglione at amaglione@orangecountygov.com. If you are experiencing COVID-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please alert the office when arranging a delivery to ensure the safety of the staff.
