Governor Rowland Proclaims March 21 Fresh Air Fund Day

HARTFORD — This summer, thousands of disadvantaged boys and girls will escape the hot, noisy streets of New York City to enjoy the simple pleasures of summertime fun in the country through free Fresh Air Fund vacations. To commemorate the 124th season of the Fund’s Friendly Town program, Governor Rowland has proclaimed March 21 “Fresh Air Fund Day” throughout the state of Connecticut.

Families who participate in the Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program open their hearts and homes to New York City children for two weeks or more in the summer. There are close to 300 Friendly Towns located throughout 13 northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

“By sharing their homes with New York City children, our hosts tell us that they gain new perspectives on their own communities and form relationships that can last a lifetime,” said Jenny Morgenthau, executive director of the Fresh Air Fund. “This year, we are looking for new host families to continue our tradition of giving youngsters a summertime break from inner-city life.”

First-time Fresh Air visitors are six to 12 years old. Reinvited youngsters can participate in the Friendly Town program through age 18. Host families often request boys or girls close in age to their own children. Volunteers simply want to share what they have with city children and introduce them to the joys of suburban or country life. Families find hosting so rewarding that over 65 percent of all Fresh Air children are invited to visit host families year after year.

“Fresh Air hosts include many young families and grandparents,” explained Janet Haringa, volunteer fund representative in northwestern and southern Connecticut. “There is no age limit. All it takes is the willingness to share your home, time and love with a New York City child.”

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.6 million inner-city children since 1877. For more information about becoming a Fresh Air volunteer, please call Janet Haringa at 203/268-1259, or the Fresh Air Fund at 800/367-0003.