Seasonal couple make large donations to area causes

TICONDEROGA | A Pleasant Valley, NY couple who are hoping to become area residents have made not one but two very generous monetary donations to the Ticonderoga community. John and Laurie Fais may not yet be rear-round locals, but their hearts are already well-ingrained here. "My wife and I both grew up in large families, seeing the struggles our parents endured to provide for us," Fais revealed. "I've enjoyed vacations on Lake George since the late sixties. There's definitely a huge divide between those who have way too much, and those barely surviving. We've recently become financially secure enough to help those in need all around the country- especially children. We now only donate to "boots on the ground" charities; I refuse to donate to CEOs who get paid millions to run charitable organizations." Melissa O'Reilly, Independent Real Estate Agent whose brokerage is Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, who is representing the couple in their home search, said that when their offer on a home was not accepted, they did spend additional time in the area, further cementing their love for Northern Lake George and its communities. "John said he really wanted to support something local and asked me what kinds of charities there were in the area," O'Reilly explained. O'Reilly offered some suggestions, and not long after, Fais came across with a $1,000 for the Ticonderoga Food Pantry. "I was just in shock that someone was so thoughtful and caring and loves our region so much," O'Reilly said. According to Margaret Beuerlein, who has volunteered with the pantry for over 25 years, the pantry is currently fully stocked. However, once January hits, the shelves get lean again and funds gets low, so the best use of the $1,000 was to go directly into the pantry's bank account. O'Reilly presented the check to Beuerlein on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Methodist Church (where the pantry is located) during their bake sale. Fais expressed further interest in continuing he and his wife's benevolence, and provided another $1,000 towards the Sweethearts and Heroes Program at Ticonderoga Junior-Senior High School. The initiative brings awareness to anti-bullying, ignites empathy, empowers bystanders, and cultivates compassionate leaders. This May, O'Reilly will be spearheading a fashion show fundraiser for Ticonderoga Schools at Seymour's to support the program. O'Reilly would like to raise $30,000, and the Fais's donation will help jumpstart the effort. Until the right house comes along, the Faises will still be enjoying their seasonal campsite at Green Acres in Hague, and their benevolence and philanthropic spirits will continue to be present. "Now that we are aware of Ticonderoga's huge inequalities, we will continue donating there," Fais shared.

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Seasonal couple make large donations to area causes

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