Community Corner

Allstate agency Owners Donate $1,000 in Grants to Guiding Eyes for the Blind's 'Heeling Autism'

Westchester Agents Dias and Rigano Named Agent Heroes.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind of Yorktown Heights received a $1,000 grant from Allstate agency owners Bruce Dias and Charles Rigano, who were recently named Agent Heroes by Allstate Insurance Company's New York Region, and were each awarded a $500 grant to go toward a local youth program.

Kathy Capasso, a volunteer who is also involved in fundraising for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, said they applied for a grant from Allstate before their first car and motorcycle show and received the money after the show. The official check was received on July 22. The show took place on May 16 to bring awareness and raise money. 

The total money raised during the charity car and motorcycle show was $3,100 and after all expenses were paid, the Guiding Eyes received $1,300, in which the Allstate $1,000 donation is included. 

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The money will go on to benefit the Guiding Eyes, as well as their 'Heeling Autism' program.

"It is an honor to be able to donate these grants to Guiding Eyes for the Blind," said Dias, whose office is located in Mamaroneck. "Hopefully it will touch the lives of the kids who are involved."

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The Heeling Autism dogs are trained to provide safety and independence to children living with autism.

"Heeling Autism dogs are trained to prevent autistic children from bolting, and become an important element in keeping the child safe," Guiding Eyes said. 

In addition, the Puppy Raiser program was featured at the charity show. Local Westchester families in the Puppy Raiser program help raise the puppies and prepare them for their new roles. Raisers teach and socialize the dog for 12 to 16 months, before they return it to the Guiding Eyes training staff. Capasso said the more puppies are raised, the more families could benefit. 

"As Allstate agents, we believe it is our responsibility to demonstrate the Good Hands Promise in the Westchester community every single day," said Rigano, whose office is in Harrison.

Next year's car and motorcycle show is scheduled to be an all-weekend event to take place on Saturday May 14 to Sunday May 15, with a rain date of May 21-22. 

"We couldn't have done as much without the support of Allstate," Capasso said. "Thanks to the Allstate program and the Allstate agents. It really helped make [the show] a very successful event."

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