Local Vendors Lend Support to Christopher's Crew

Christopher Ambrosio’s Friday night was similar to that of most other seven-year-old boys in Lynbrook. He saw some friends, played some video games, and interacted with his family. The only thing different about the evening was the location.

Christopher’s Friday fun took place at Vendor Boutique Shopping Night, a charity event to benefit Christopher’s Crew, his team in the New York City Hemophilia Walk.  

Christopher was born with hemophilia, a severe genetic blood disorder. For the past seven years, his family has participated in the walk. 

“The walk has gotten bigger and bigger every year,” Christopher’s mother, Kelly Ambrosio said. “Four years ago, it became a national walk.” 

The annual event, which started as a small New York City group, has expanded to include 21 different sites around the country. 

Throughout the year, the Ambrosio’s raise money for the team by holding fundraisers in the Lynbrook community, aiming to spread education and knowledge about the disorder. This kind of commitment made Christopher’s Crew the number one fundraising team in the country in 2011.

This year, the team’s goal is to raise $30,000. With nearly two months until the walk, they are only $8,052 shy of that benchmark. 

“Everyone in the community has been so helpful,” Ambrosio said. 

One of those helpful people was Shannon Straub, a friend of Ambrosio’s. Straub organized the shopping event, coordinating the vendors who would donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Christopher’s Crew.

“I usually put together a spring boutique,” Straub said. “I thought, ‘what better way to  raise awareness and help (the Ambrosio’s) raise more money?’ It was a win-win.” 

12 vendors donated their Friday night to the cause. Featured items included food, jewelry, clothing, and pottery. Discovery Toys, Stella and Dot Jewelry, Arbonne, and The Pampered Chef were among those who offered support.     

“Lynbrook is a very close community,” Straub said. “Everyone comes out to support one of their own in the community. We all love Christopher. He’s a great little boy. It’s a great family and we’re all happy to come out and support them and raise awareness for hemophilia.”  

Straub’s own business, BunnaBows, also participated in the event. BunnaBows specializes in hair bows, head bands, and accessories.

“It’s very special,” Ambrosio said of the support. “We’re very lucky and blessed to live in such a great community.”

The New York City Hemophilia Walk is scheduled for June 3 in Riverside Park. To donate to Christopher’s Crew click here.

Did you buy anything at Vendor Boutique Shopping Night? Tell us in the comments.