GOSHEN- November’s Orange County Citizen of the Month is 11-year-old Brianna Blumenberg, a sixth grader at Minisink Valley Middle School. Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus recognized Blumenberg for organizing a fundraiser to help children attend summer camp at the YMCA of Middletown. “Bri’s Charitable Bracelets” has raised approximately $1,800 since Blumenberg began crafting Pandora-style bracelets and selling them for $10 each in March.
“Brianna is an extraordinary young woman and cares deeply about the community,” Neuhaus said. “She has a big heart and what she has accomplished with “Bri’s Charitable Bracelets” is incredible. Brianna should be commended for her efforts and for her commitment to Orange County and its residents. We are all proud of her and know that she has a bright future ahead.”
Blumenberg was inspired to make bracelets after attending a “Girls Night Out” jewelry party with her mother, Stephanie, in December. Stephanie Blumenberg is the Executive Director of the YMCA of Middletown. Brianna started making bracelets and recruited her family to assist in purchasing materials and making them to benefit the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, which raises funds that enable less fortunate children, adults, and families to participate in the YMCA’s programs and services.
Brianna raised $1,500 which provided five children scholarships to attend the YMCA’s summer camp. She hopes to start fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital when she reaches $2,000 in bracelets sold. Brianna lives in Greenville with her parents, Stephanie and Eric, and brother, Landon, 9. Brianna is an avid dancer and has been competing competitively for three years. She enjoys ballet, pointe, musical theater, jazz, and lyrical dance. Since entering Middle School this year, Brianna has already become involved in many clubs including Student Government, Ukulele Club, and Minisink Motivates.
“The thing that…
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