Guilford, CT – Since its beginning in 1984, East River Energy has annually donated to countless organizations, personally became involved in mentoring programs, supported youth and sports teams throughout the area and helped the Shoreline area police and fire departments as part of their community commitment and involvement. They are also a corporate sponsor to the Soundview Family YMCA in Branford. Every year for 16 years, East River Energy has donated money to the Hammerfest Triathlon to benefit Brian’s Hope. Concurrently, East River Energy has also been a proud supporter of the CFMS Fund. Recently, the newest additions to East River Energy’s monetary and personal commitment was to add decals on two of their oil delivery trucks to bring awareness and emphasize the importance of these two worthy causes.
Brain’s Hope
Unknown to his family, Shoreline resident Brian Kelly was born with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a hereditary disease of the central nervous system. This rare disease manifests itself in boys in early childhood. The boys are born missing an enzyme that breaks down long-chain fatty acids that eventually build up and lead to a process that destroys myelin in the body. Brian lost his sight, speech and ambulation at the age of 7, but continues to have a keen sense of hearing. He is confined to a wheelchair. Brian received the missing enzyme from his older brother Patrick through a bone marrow transplant and continues to do well and remain rather stable.
Until now, diagnosis has relied on the identification of an affected individual and then the systematic testing of the extended family. However, recent developments promise earlier, broader detection of the disease. A nomination will be made to the Secretary’s Advisory Committee to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, in May, to approve the newborn screening for ALD. Through diligent efforts of the Kelleys and their support team, the bill to provide testing of newborns for ALD has been signed into law by Governor Dannel Malloy!
CFMS Fund
The CF & MS Fund Foundation Inc. is dedicated to raising funds and awareness in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis. The commitment to these two non-affiliated diseases began many years ago from a personal family connection to each disease. Today that commitment has evolved into a successful donor based, non-profit organization. Since the CFMS Fund’s inception in 2009 they have donated more than 1.4 million dollars to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. These two nationally recognized organizations, over a century old combined, are ranked among the top non-profits in the United States. Together they are improving and extending the lives of those living with CF and MS. CFMS Fund raises money through unique, five-star events, retail purchase add-on campaigns, letter campaigns, and various community building events. This year, East River Energy is a presenting sponsor of The CFMS Fund Annual Soiree on November 1st.
“Hope” Trucks
East River Energy will officially unveil the “HOPE” trucks at a reception on September 5th, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at 401 Soundview Road, Guilford. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments and light menu will be provided as well as raffles and prizes for the event. Special Guests include Jack, Jean & Brian Kelly of Brian’s Hope and Melanie Dinicola’s CFMS Fund, Director. “We are committed to our local communities and do whatever we can to help,” said Don Herzog, President and CEO of East River Energy. “We all have some kind of connection with these organizations, either a personal relationship with someone afflicted or knowledge of someone battling a disease. It is essential to be socially responsible as a business partner and corporate citizen, particularly in the towns where we conduct business,” he added. “The Town of Guilford is about to celebrate its 375th birthday. East River Energy is a proud Diamond sponsor for this exciting upcoming event.”
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