Fresh Air Fund Day Set For March 20

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 125th anniversary season of the Fund’s Friendly Town program, Governor John G. Rowland has proclaimed March 20 “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, including Newtown, located throughout 13 northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

First-time Fresh Air visitors are six to 12 years old. Re-invited 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. 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 range from young families to grandparents,” explains Janet Haringa, volunteer Fund Representative in northwestern and southern Connecticut. “There is no age limit. All it takes is the willingness to open your heart and home to a New York City child.”

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has provided free summer vacations to more than 1.7 million inner-city children since 1877. For more information about becoming a Fresh Air volunteer, please call Janet and Paul Haringa at 203-268-1259, or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003.