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(Photo courtesy United Way of San Diego County)
During this challenging year, community organizations everywhere have pivoted plans or closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, organizations that support Creative Youth Development have seen much change with classrooms going virtual and extracurricular activities not able to resume. From theatre groups to music to dance and many more, arts and culture youth organizations are struggling. Starting March 9 through April 20, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) in partnership with The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego and sponsored by Clare Rose Foundation, will host a seven-week virtual training cohort for their Board Service Certification Program, and will focus on organizations that work in Creative Youth Development.
Jerry Dicecco of Jerry & the Mermaid in Riverhead with a grocery box he was offering last spring. (Credit: Tara Smith)
The DiCecco family of Jerry and the Mermaid have a history of giving back to their Riverhead community.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last March they were quick to donate meals to front-line workers at Peconic Bay Medical Center, an effort that helped earn owner Jerry DiCecco Jr. Co-Business Person of the Year honors from the News-Review earlier this month.
Anyone who has ever trotted five kilometers through downtown Riverhead in the Run for the Ridley to benefit the New York Marine Rescue Center also knows one of the best parts is reaching the finish line to be greeted by Manhattan clam chowder generously donated by Mr. Dicecco.