February 15, 2019 -- Nearly 100 of Westchester County’s foster children will enjoy the Royal Hanneford Circus free of charge, thanks to a generous donation of tickets by Gateway Advertising to the Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS). For the 43rd year, the Royal Hanneford Circus will perform at The Westchester County Center over President’s Day weekend, continuing a great Westchester County tradition.
Commissioner of DSS Kevin McGuire expressed his appreciation for the donation: “The history of the circus in Westchester County goes back almost two hundred years. Every child here should be afforded the opportunity to experience the magic of the circus. I am gratified that the Hannaford Circus continues to open their doors and their hearts to our foster and homeless families so that the magic continues.”
The donated tickets are reserved for foster children and foster parents, homeless families and grandparent caretakers and their grandchildren. Craig Heard, Gateway Advertising CEO, said he was pleased to continue a tradition that provides hours of fun for families in need.
“For the third year, Gateway is pleased to donate tickets to the Circus for Foster Families of Westchester County,” said Heard. “As a Family owned business, Gateway values the importance of families getting together, and to give back to the community where they do business. This has been a standing company philosophy and we are proud to help support these families.”
Darryl Francis and Joanne Dunn-Francis, who recently became foster parents in Westchester County said: “Attending the upcoming Royal Hanneford Circus is a great opportunity for our family. We are new foster parents and we were not aware of all the resources and extracurricular activities that are provided through the County. We are grateful to Westchester County DSS for affording us this opportunity, and for making an emphasis to help children who would not ordinarily have this opportunity a chance to have this once in a lifetime experience. Every child should have the opportunity to see the circus when they are in town.”
Nellie Hanneford, who produces the Royal Hanneford Circus with her husband Adrian Poema said: “The Royal Hanneford Circus is proud to continue our tradition of appearing at the Westchester County Center for almost 45 years. We are also thrilled to continue another tradition, of providing a fun experience for the foster families in Westchester County.”
The Royal Hanneford Circus will perform nine shows February 16, 17 and 18. Show times are 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. each day. Tickets are available at the Westchester County Box Office, 198 Central Park Avenue, White Plains, or on Ticketmaster.