Westport resident Al DiGuido was among a group of friends at a holiday party about 10 years ago when an idea popped into his head. “A bunch of us were sitting around talking about waking people up to the holidays, and I said, ‘You know, we need to do something wacky: Let’s light the blue bridge,’” said DiGuido, founder of the nonprofit organization Al’s Angels, referring to the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge. “And they went for it.”

So did then-First Selectwoman Diane Farrell, DiGuido said. Farrell liked the idea so much she got the state’s permission for them to go onto the bridge and wrap it with lights. And ever since then, the lights on the Cribari Bridge over the Saugatuck River have been a holiday tradition.

But why that particular bridge? DiGuido said he always admired the look and feel of that bridge because it’s vintage.

“I wanted to try to re-create the feeling from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ and that bridge has a historic legacy,” DiGuido said. “It’s a bridge from yesteryear: It brings nostalgia and innocence to Westport, and lighting it is even better.”

Although the idea to wrap the bridge in holiday lights came four years before DiGuido founded Al’s Angels in 2004, he said the lights serve as a symbol for the organization. It reminds people that “we all have a responsibility to help those in need,” he said, especially during the holidays.

The lights, which are paid for by the DiGuido family, are unofficially turned on for Thanksgiving night and shine through Jan. 1. And though a majority of the lights stay up year round, DiGuido and his crew of four or five people, working in the dark, check to see whether any bulbs need to be replaced every November.

Last year, the lights were changed to LEDs and according to DiGuido, it took about eight hours to wrap the entire bridge with the new set. Nevertheless, “It’s a labor of love,” he said. In fact, he’s thinking of getting larger lights for next year.

Article courtesy of: http://www.thedailywestport.com

Al noticed that Westport doesn’t have an “official” Christmas tree — nor any “official” ceremony marking the beginning of the holiday season.

But, in a letter to the Westport News, Al — founder and driving force behind Al’s Angels — proposed that his organization work with the town to make the Saugatuck Bridge lighting the “official” holiday season lighting for Westport.

The Saugatuck River Bridge, all lit up this holiday season.

Al said:

It would be incredible if we could close the bridge down for several hours on one magical night. Local restaurants could provide hot chocolate, donuts and other holiday treats — actually on the bridge, when we throw the switch. Area vocal groups could provide holiday music.

I know Santa and Frosty would definitely make an appearance too.

While other towns may have “trees,” no one has a bridge like ours. As Westporters, we love the differences in our town.

Let’s celebrate them!

He urged interested Westporters to contact him: adiguido@yahoo.com.

RTM member Steve Rubin seconds the motion. He says:

What a grand idea! What a better honor for the Cribari family! What a true fun tradition for Westport!

The official name of the span is the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge. Born in1918, he directed countless numbers of cars as a police traffic official. Few people loved Westport and its history more than “Crowbar” did.

To continue to light the bridge from Thanksgiving to New Year’s would be an exciting Westport happening. It would encompass the entire holiday season for all.

Illuminating the bridge and nearby donated trees has become a Westport institution. Al DiGuido and friends started this tradition about a decade ago with other proud Westport residents, including myself.

Taxpayers’ funds have never been used. I think anybody driving by or across this bridge when it glows with lights would be happy to kick in a few dollars if requested to continue this tradition.

There you have it: The next great new town tradition.

And — this being Westport — the time to start working on it is yesterday.

Article courtesy of: http://06880danwoog.com

All kids deserve gifts during the Christmas season, and that is exactly how the staff feels at Union Community Health Center on E. 188th Street. In fact for the second year in a row, the health center teamed up with Al’s Angels to make sure that every child got a nice present.

Al’s Angels is a non-profit charitable organization from Connecticut owned by Al DiGuido. Its mission is to raise money throughout the year to provide as many gifts as they can for children during the holiday season in the tri-state area.

“When I look at these kids, their smiles really mean a lot to me and my family,” said Al. “We always think about how blessed we are to have everything that we have and I feel obligated to give back to those who are sick and needy.”

Not only were gifts given out to all of the children, but DiGuido himself dressed as Santa Claus in a holiday decorated room inside the health center. In fact his wife Chris and his family were on hand to help him take pictures and give out the gifts. Chris DiGuido has been helping her husband with the organization since it began in 2004 and according to her, the opprotunity to help chilrdren and their families never gets old.

The giveaway lasted approximately two hours. In that time, over 200 gifts were distributed to the kids, as well as candy canes, cookies and teddy bears.

Some of the staff of Union Community Health Center were present to hand out cookies and juice to the kids after they sat on Santa’s lap. John Tognino, chairman of Union Community Health Center board, was also present to witness the fun. He praised DiGuido and his family for all of the work they do at the health center and elsewhere every year,

“Al has been one of our greatest benefactors at the health center for two years now,” said Tognino.

Article courtesy of: http://www.yournabe.com

The event, which will be the first Al’s Angels event in 2010, will feature live entertainment and dancing, top-quality dining from several renowned Connecticut restaurants, silent auctions with dozens of rare collectibles, and many other activities. Other annual Al’s Angels events such as “Al’s Angels Oktoberfest” and “Angels in July” have received a warm reception from the Tri-State community, and have raised several hundred thousand dollars for children in need.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, February 11th from 6:00 pm ET – 9:00 pm ET
• Where: Aitoro’s Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT
• Ticket price:$75.00 per person
• Food sponsors: Ossiana Fairfield, Carl Anthony’s of Monroe, Norm Bloom & Sons Clams & Oysters, Angela Mia Bakery of Norwalk, A Dash of Salt Catering, Bobby Q’s of Westport
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Available at www.AlsAngels.org

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, thousands of children in the Tri-State area will be left without the support and love that so many experience during the holiday. The goal of the Al’s Angels “Love and Laughter” celebration is to raise money to provide these children with the support and love they desperately need.

All proceeds from this event will go directly to Al’s Angels, which was founded in 2004 by digital marketing pioneer and Zeta Interactive CEO Al DiGuido, to help families and children challenged by cancer, rare blood diseases, AIDS and domestic violence. The mission of Al’s Angels is to provide financial and emotional support to the children suffering from these diseases, and to show them that they are not alone in their fight.

Through his work with Al’s Angels – including the annual Al’s Angels Thanksgiving meal drive, holiday toy drive, “Angels in July” summer event, and many other initiatives – DiGuido has earned a reputation as one of the Tri-State area’s most influential philanthropists. Al’s Angels has partnered with other organizations such as the Tomorrow’s Children Fund, St. Barnabus Hospital of the Bronx, Union Community Health Center of the Bronx, CLASP Homes of Westport and Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, to provide children with much needed assistance. DiGuido has also built a loyal following of more than 200 Angels’ volunteers that travel and lend hands-on support to Al’s Angels events and charity drives throughout the year.

About Al’s Angels
Al’s Angels (www.alsangels.org) was founded by Westport, CT resident Al DiGuido in 2004 as a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to provide assistance to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty. Al’s Angels not only distributes meals and gifts for needy families, but also sponsors fundraising events and activities for affiliated churches and social service groups, provides them with fundraising support and works to encourage greater public giving.

Media Contact:
Matt Rizzetta
North 6th Agency
718-744-7138
mrizzetta@north6thagency.com

“24 Hours of Hope” is designed to raise money and awareness for thousands of children in the Tri-State area who are suffering from cancer and rare blood diseases. During the event, participants will be sponsored by family, friends and colleagues, as they work out for an hour or more on the state-of-the-art bicycle, treadmill or elliptical equipment at The Edge Fitness Center. There will also be classes in Zumba,Yoga and Spinning open to all participants.

The goal of the event is to raise at least $1 per minute that each participant exercises. Al’s Angels hopes to raise over $100,000 during the two-day event. With limited spots available, participants are encouraged to register in advance at www.24HoursofHope.com to reserve an hour-long workout slots as the fundraiser approaches. As they work out, participants will be treated to live music, entertainment, guest appearances by local celebrities and elected officials and well as a wide variety of healthy snacks.

Key event details are as follows, and more information can be found at www.24hoursofhope.com:

• When: Saturday, October 2^nd and Sunday October 3^rd from 7:00 am ET – 7:00 pm ET
• Where: The Edge Fitness Center 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk CT
• Ticket price: Raise a minimum of $60 per hour of exercise
• Registration: register at www.24HoursofHope.com

All proceeds from this event will go directly to Al’s Angels, which was founded in 2004 by digital marketing pioneer and Zeta Interactive CEO Al DiGuido, to help families and children challenged by cancer, rare blood diseases, AIDS and domestic violence. The mission of Al’s Angels is to provide financial and emotional support to the children suffering from these diseases; providing them with moments of joy as they battle these life threatening conditions.

Through his work with Al’s Angels – including the annual Al’s Angels Thanksgiving meal drive, holiday toy drive, “Angels in July” summer event, and many other initiatives – DiGuido has earned a reputation as one of the Tri-State area’s most influential philanthropists. Al’s Angels has partnered with other organizations such as the Tomorrow’s Children Fund, St. Barnabus Hospital of the Bronx, Union Community Health Center of the Bronx, CLASP Homes of Westport and Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, to provide children with much needed assistance. DiGuido has also built a loyal following of more than 800 Angels’ volunteers that travel and lend hands-on support to Al’s Angels events and charity drives throughout the year.

Al’s Angels events such as “Al’s Angels Oktoberfest” and “Angels in July” have received a warm reception from the Tri-State community, having raised several hundred thousand dollars for children in need.
For more information on Al’s Angels, please visit www.AlsAngels.org. For more details on how to participate in the “24 Hours of Hope” event, visit www.24HoursofHope.com

About Al’s Angels

Al’s Angels was founded by Westport, CT resident Al DiGuido in 2004 as a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to provide assistance to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty. Al’s Angels not only distributes meals and gifts for needy families, but also sponsors fundraising events and activities for affiliated churches and social service groups, provides them with fundraising support and works to encourage greater public giving.

Media Contact:

Matt Rizzetta
North 6th Agency
718-744-7138
mrizzetta@north6thagency.com.

Union Community Health Center will honor Mr. Al DiGuido, Founder of Al’s Angels, for his support of Union Community Health Center patients and the Bronx community in general. Al’s Angels provides comfort to families that are challenged by childhood cancer, rare blood diseases, AIDS and domestic violence in the tri-state area.

Union Community Health Center is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike that serves central and southwest Bronx residents. Union Community Health Center provides approximately 150,000 medical, dental and physical rehabilitation visits each year to 35,000 patients at its four locations.

DATE: Wednesday, September 29, 2010

TIME: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm cocktails
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm buffet dinner

LOCATION: The Bronx Zoo
Southern Boulevard entrance

A team of Al’s Angels volunteers will gather early this Saturday at the Builders Beyond Borders building at 8 Willard Road in Norwalk, CT to assemble over 750 Thanksgiving bins. Each bin will contain food products and gift cards from local supermarkets, among other items.

The bins will be packed and then delivered by Al’s Angels volunteers to Saint Christopher Ottille in Glen Cove, Long Island; Safe Horizons locations in Harlem and Brooklyn, NY; Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund in Hackensack, NJ; and CLASP Homes in Bridgeport, CT.

This event marks the first of six holiday charity missions for Al’s Angels in the tri-state area. Over the next month, the Angels will also be in New Jersey, Long Island, Harlem and Brooklyn, delivering holiday gifts and bringing joy to hundreds of needy families throughout the tri-state area.

Last year, more than 525 needy families in the tri-state area received Thanksgiving meals from Al’s Angels, and the foundation donated over 2,000 gifts to local families over the holiday season.

The mission of Al’s Angels is to provide assistance to children and families that are suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty. In addition to packaging and distributing meals and gifts to needy families during the holidays, the organization also sponsors fundraising events and activities for affiliated churches and social service groups. Al’s Angels also provides these groups with fundraising support and works to encourage greater public giving. For more information, please visit www.alsangels.org.

WHERE: Builders Beyond Borders Building (rear entrance)
8 Willard Road
Norwalk, CT 06851

WHEN: Saturday, November 28, 2009

TIME: 10:00 am EST – 2:00 pm EST

WHEN: Thursday, December 17

WHO & WHAT: Al’s Angels, a non-profit, charitable, grass-roots organization founded in 2004 by local NYC Zeta Interactive CEO Al DiGuido- will be holding a holiday event for needy children at Union Community Health Center in Bronx, NY.

Zeta Interactive CEO Al DiGuido will be arriving dressed as Santa with the Al’s Angels volunteers to donate toys this Thursday at Union Community Health Center in Bronx, NY to needy children.

This event marks the second of four holiday charity missions for Al’s Angels in New York and the tri-state area. Over the next few weeks, the Angels will also be donating gifts and food to St. Christopher’s and Tomorrows Children’s Fund.

Last year, more than 525 needy families in the tri-state area received holiday meals from Al’s Angels, and the foundation donated over 2,000 gifts to local families over the holiday season.

The mission of Al’s Angels is to provide assistance to children and families that are suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty. In addition to packaging and distributing meals and gifts to needy families during the holidays, the organization also sponsors fundraising events and activities for affiliated churches and social service groups. Al’s Angels also provides these groups with fundraising support and works to encourage greater public giving. For more information, please visit www.alsangels.org.

WHERE: Union Community Health Center
260 East 188th Street
Bronx, NY 10458-5302
(718) 220-2020

TIME: 9:00 am EST – 10:00 am EST

Our Mission

Provide children and families in the tri-state area suffering with life threatening cancer and rare blood diseases with holiday meals and gifts. Families who have literally been wiped out financially due to the incredible battle that they are facing on a daily basis to save the lives of their children. We cannot stand on the sidelines and watch our fellow human family members suffer alone.