For the last decade, Andy, a Staten Island resident who has cerebral palsy, has been selling candy along one of the borough's busiest roads, Hylan Boulevard, working six days a week from morning to evening. He’s known in the community for his dedication and warm interactions with commuters, and local resident Jennifer Remauro started a crowdfund campaign to honor his perseverance.
She says that Andy’s determination is amazing. For years every day he wakes at 5:30. He is at his spot by 7am no matter what the weather is doing or how he is feeling. He sells candy there till about 5pm working the crowd trying to sell to motorists or pedestrians. Then he heads to the store to restock. He gets home about 8p and prepares for bed.
Andy's been robbed several times, and nearly starved to death during COVID when NY was pretty much shut down for 2 years.
Her message in the crowdfund description begins by stressing that the effort is about respect and admiration rather than charity.
This morning, the campaign raised over $31,000!
Jennifer plans to personally deliver the funds and written messages to Andy before Christmas. She hopes the contributions will allow him to take a break, enjoy a vacation with his hardworking parents, or treat himself to something meaningful.
This is a video of Andy from 2019