IN LIEU OF GIFTS AT HER RECENT 11TH BIRTHDAY POOL PARTY

SEAFORD, NY, Sept. 7, 2007 - - Jacklyn Kate Corsitto of Seaford is no Cheap Skate! The figure skating protégé celebrated her 11th birthday on Monday, August 27, by asking her closest friends and immediate family to contribute the money they would have used to buy her presents to her Number One charity - - The Heritage Foundation of 9/11, which produces the annual Stars, Stripes & Skates IceTravaganza at the Nassau Coliseum each fall.

Through the generosity of her guests and neighbors who read about Jacklyn’s unselfishness in a local newspaper, the youngster raised almost $2,500 at a pool party at her Charles Court home in Seaford.

The Seaford Middle School sixth grader at certainly is certainly unusual in many other ways, as well.  For example, on the ice, she performs a myriad of remarkable stunts, such as juggling and walking on her hands - - “tricks” which adult skaters often can’t do.

The Heritage Foundation of 9/11, which is near and dear to Jacklyn’s heart, endeavors to not only remind youngsters about the attacks of 9-11-01, but to share and educate future generations of Americans about the numerous heroes who came to the rescue of our citizens that day. 

“The Heritage Foundation of 9/11 is in financial distress,” said Jackie, “which may not allow it to put on its signature event this year, the Stars, Stripes & Skates IceTravaganza, which I have been a part of in the past and where I have formed friendships and bonds with dozens of other kid skaters.  It would be a tragedy if the event couldn’t be held this year.”

Stars, Stripes & Skates has been held every year since 2002, once in Madison Square Garden, three times in Nassau Coliseum and one time at Cantiague Park on Long Island.

Noted Tara Modlin, originally of Great Neck, NY, who is the founder and president of The Heritage Foundation of 9/11 and producer of Stars, Stripes & Skates: “The children who skate with us get a great sense of satisfaction by being a part of something so big and by giving back to the community - - and this gesture by Jacklyn was her personal way of making a difference.  The youngsters use their athletic skills for a good cause, and also get to meet and befriend stars of all kinds, including their skating idols like Nancy Kerrigan and Oksana Baiul, in addition to community officials like former and active firefighters and police officers.”

Jacklyn’s parents, Barbara and Jack, and her sister Carly, age five, were firmly behind her in this endeavor.  “We are so proud of her talents and especially Jacklyn’s altruistic attitude - - and the fact that she helped raise close to $2,500 for such an important cause,” stated Barbara Corsitto.

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