Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation hosts Child Safety Festival

On September 28th, the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation will be hosting its 10th annual Joan’s Joy Safety Fest from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Joan Angela D’Alessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden in front of the Hillsdale train station in Hillsdale, NJ.

The foundation was started by Joan’s mother, Rosemarie, in honor of her 7-year-old Brownie Girl Scout daughter, Joan, who was assaulted and murdered by her Hillsdale neighbor while delivering Girl Scout cookies to him in 1973. The foundation honors her legacy by promoting child safety through their Fun, Education, and Safety Program and by advocating for children, victims, and for changes in legislation.

This year, some local Girl Scouts troops from Pearl River, NY will be joining in to run a craft booth to give back in the name of a little girl who was just like them, which echoes Rosemarie’s sentiments exactly. “Joan loved dogs, and music, she was courageous and always included everyone,” said D’Alessandro. This is something that any child, or parent, can relate to – and Joan was relatable. She was just like every other child, so if tragedy can befall her, it can befall any child. Rosemarie wants to keep that from happening through the work of the foundation and events such as the Joan’s Joy Safety Fest.

“Joan looks so nice, I love her smile,” said Caroline O’Brien, age 7, one of the Girl Scouts who will be helping at the booth the day of the event. “I am sad by what happened to her, but I want to help tell other people how special Joan is.”  This event will do just that and includes music, dancing, face painting, balloon twisting, a child safety speaker, and a butterfly release. It aims to advance child safety education and awareness, but in a family-friendly atmosphere. It is a free event with snacks and raffles available to purchase.

Email rosebd@email.com or go to Joansjoy.org for more information or for event sponsorship opportunities.