HGAR benefit raises over $17,000 for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley

The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS (HGAR) recently raised $17,100 for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley at its "Wish Upon a Star" cocktail party held at the Clubhouse at Patriot Hills in Stony Point. Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, a non-profit group, grants the wishes of Hudson Valley children who are suffering with life-threatening medical conditions. This year's event featured guest speaker Anthony Gordon, 14, a "Wish" recipient, who is in remission from leukemia. Anthony, the grandson of Christine Gordon of BHG Rand Realty in Goshen, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 12. Since then, he has had two years of chemotherapy and has one more year of treatments. "Spending weeks at a time in the hospital in isolation was terrifying, knowing that any moment could be my last," said Anthony. "I want to personally thank Make-A-Wish for all they have done for me. They put a smile on my face when nothing else could." Last year, Anthony was granted a shopping spree at Palisades Mall in Rockland County. Make-A-Wish sent a limousine to pick up the family and also booked a hotel room for himself, his mother, sister and brother. The family enjoyed dinner, then shopping the following day. Anthony was able to buy a lap top, big flat screen TV, and clothing. "This organization has been making a huge difference in the lives of these children for more than 25 years, and we are so pleased to be able to offer our help," said Richard Haggerty, HGAR CEO. Since 1986, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley has granted more than 2,000 wishes to Hudson Valley children with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley serves eight counties: Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. The organization is currently working on 160 wishes with the average cost of a wish ranging from $7,500 to $10,000. The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS is a not-for-profit trade association covering over 9,000 real estate professionals doing business in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. HGAR is comprised of the former Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS (WPAR), Rockland County Board of REALTORS (RCBR) and Orange County Association of REALTORS (OCAR).