Wendy and David Malsegna, of Hilton, have always tried to instill the idea of giving to others in their children. When it came to family birthday parties for the children, Jaccob, 7, Jonnah, 6, and Jordynn, 3. Arranging parties for the three of them was time intensive so Wendy and David decided to host a joint birthday party a few years ago. They rented a "bounce house," invited friends and family and watched as the children spent close to an hour opening gifts, - which Wendy packed away to hand out for special occasions. Following that, the Malsegnas decided to ask their friends to make donations in lieu of gifts to the children. They chose "Autism Speaks" and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as the charities they would like to support as they were close to their hearts. The Malsegnas' nephew suffers from autism and Ryan McPhee, a Hilton youngster who died from leukemia, were the reasons the two charities were chosen. At the party on July 28, $330 was raised for Autism Speaks and $285 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The children at the party were treated to pony rides, face painting and other activities. "We've been blessed in our lives and we are happy to give back," the Malsegnas said. The family is pictured in front of the bounce house. © August 5, 2007 - Westside News Inc. |
