When we learned about “Mitzvah On The Hudson” this past August, we couldn’t wait to share this special Mitzvah Project with our readers. This story is not just about doing a Mitzvah Project, it’s also about the meaning of friendship.
Thirteen-year-old Ally Witt chose AHRC Nassau (Association Help for Retarded Children) as a beneficiary of her Bat Mitzvah project. She wanted to help raise money to furnish an AHRC home which provides a place for those who can not live on their own, at times when their families and guardians can not care for them.
Ally has chosen this project because her Uncle Jeffrey and his wife Maryann live in an AHRC Nassau residence. Since Jeffrey and Maryann have thrived in large part because of AHRC, Ally feels it is completely appropriate to give the honor of her Mitzvah to the AHRC. “They have made a big difference in my family’s life,” says Ally. “My motto is: One piece of furniture at a time.”
Ally had raised almost $7,000 through social media, family and friends when her friend, 11-year old Aaron Perl and his Dad Mitch decided to give her a special Bat Mitzvah gift. They would swim the Hudson River from West 99th Street to 79th Street with proceeds from their swim going towards Ally’s Mitzvah Project.
What’s even more amazing is that Aaron has overcome his own disability. He endured excruciatingly painful surgeries to lengthen his leg after being born with a shortened femur. At 8 years old, Aaron and his Dad started competing in triathlons. He’s now completed 13!
Aaron and Dad Mitch after the swim
Ally with her friend Aaron
Aaron and Ally with Uncle Jeffrey
Ally’s project drew lots of media attention including an interview on WNBC-TV with Chuck Scarborough.
Watch segment here.
If you would like to donate to Ally Witt’s Mitzvah Project please click here to visit her Website.
We thank Ally for sharing her unbelievable project with our readers.
