Family Services of Westchester
Reaching out to the local community
Brandon's relationship with Family Services of Westchester
Family Services of Westchester (FSW) is a non-profit social service agency which provides a broad range of social and mental health services to more than 30,000 Westchester County residents each year. Since 1954, FSW has been dedicated to strengthening and supporting families and individuals at every stage of life: from Adoption and Head Start; to Big Brothers Big Sisters and Youth Residences; to a home for low-income seniors and an intergenerational day care facility.
Brandon Steiner became involved with FSW five years ago through his desire to better the lives of disadvantaged youth. When he visited FSW’s group home for boys, which was in need of repair, he volunteered to spearhead the renovations because he felt the boys deserved to live in a home equally as nice, if not better, than anyone else’s on the block. Brandon’s compassion and commitment to that project resulted in a complete overhaul to the boys homes in 2008.
In addition to playing a lead role in the renovations, Brandon occasionally stops by the homes to check on the youth and take them out for a burger or pizza. But his kindness doesn’t stop there. He has donated countless tickets to New York area professional sporting events so that the boys and girls in FSW’s youth programs – including the group homes, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Respite, and Camp Success, can attend. He has also provided mentorships and job training to a number of youth through internships at Steiner Sports. Brandon joined the board of FSW in July, 2009.
Brandon Steiner and his wife, Mara, are being honored on Feb. 10, 2010 at Family Services of Westchester’s STAR Gala for their dedication to helping children and families in Westchester. Brandon and Mara’s current efforts and proceeds from this Gala will help to renovate the girls group home the same way they did the boys. Mara, shares in his generous spirit and philanthropic projects. Several years ago, she volunteered to become a Big Sister and is an active participant in the BBBS Advisory Board. Mara has also developed a corporate mentoring program at Steiner Sports with Columbus Elementary School in New Rochelle.
The 2010 Star Gala
Approximately 535 guests gathered here at Glen Island Harbour Club recently to honor Brandon and Mara Steiner of Scarsdale at Family Services of Westchester’s STAR Gala. Ray Rice, Tiki Barber, Bucky Dent, Keith Hernandez, Joe Klecko, Otis Anderson, and Anthony Mason were among 19 high-profile athletes who attended to salute the Steiners. Brandon Steiner is founder and CEO of Steiner Sports Marketing and Memorabilia, which is the largest company of its kind in the country. Headquartered in New Rochelle, Steiner Sports boasts an inventory of 10,000 collectible items and a relationship with more than 5,000 professional athletes.
“This STAR Gala was one of the most successful fundraising dinners our organization has ever held,” says Susan Wayne, President and CEO of Family Services of Westchester. “We were all so thrilled to see the Steiners receive the recognition they deserve. Their longtime commitment to the children FSW serves is truly remarkable.” - Ray Rice
