Joe Girardi Hits Harrison for Library Fundraiser

HARRISON, N.Y. – It was a homerun for the Harrison Public Library Foundation Sunday afternoon when New York Yankees Coach Joe Girardi stopped by to assist in a fundraiser for the group. Girardi signed various items for local residents to help the library raise money.

"We're a part of the community," said Girardi, a Harrison resident. "Education is very important to my family and we're happy to be able to help today."

Girardi's fundraiser, which supported the Harrison Public Library Foundation, gave locals the opportunity to get their photo taken with Girardi and receive a personal autograph on different sports items.

The money raised at the event will go towards the renovation of the downtown Harrison library, which has been an ongoing initiative of the library foundation since it kicked off its fundraising efforts last October. Stephen Hicks, president of the foundation’s board, said it was a great opportunity to garner support for the ongoing project.

"This is helping us gain exposure. We're very grateful for him to be here," Hicks said. "We've had a great turnout and everyone seems very excited."

Hicks said more than 100 residents came through the library Sunday to meet the Yankees coach.

Girardi said he was proud to be a part of the community and there were several things he liked about the area.

"The people here make me feel welcome and my family loves the different neighborhoods," Girardi said. "The downtown area is nice and we love all the different local sports teams here. Not to mention the local papers here, which cover all those things."

The fundraiser was supported in part by Modells, which helped provide some of the baseballs, bats and other items that were signed. The Rye Camera Shop also pitched in by helping photograph the event.

Also in attendance were Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont and various members of the Harrison Public Library Foundation, who mingled throughout the afternoon to show their thanks for Girardi's time.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Harrison and receive free news updates.