An Annual Tradition: Cocoa for a Cause at All Good Things

When Evan Greenberg was five, he was a big fan of hot cocoa – not drinking it - but giving it to people who were cold. What started as a hot cocoa stand in his garage to support his elementary school's hunger project, has now become an annual event that has raised over $15,000 for various causes, primarily the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The tradition began with a bunch of boxes from holiday gifts, some hastily made baked goods and a few hours of work during a winter weekend. Now in it's ninth year, the enterprise has grown into a major endeavor. This year's event, the 9th annual Evan and Joshua's Hot Cocoa Stand for Pediatric Cancer Foundation, will be held at All Good Things in Scarsdale on March 7th from 11-5 and March 8th from 12-6. In addition to cocoa donated by Chocolations in Scarsdale, cups and sugar donated by the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck and baked goods from the Mittman family and others, it also features raffles of both sports and non-sports raffles.

Evan, now 13 and his brother Josh, 11, are big sports fans and the idea of asking sports teams and players to donate items started early. "Evan first asked Ike Davis of the Mets to come to his Hot Cocoa stand, when we met him at a Citibank store opening" said his father, Ken, also the CCO (Chief Cocoa Officer). "When he heard that Jason Bay moved into town, he left a flier in his mailbox and then had the idea to write to many players". While the players did not write back, the teams did and what started as some nice items from the Mets has expanded into tickets and memorabilia from the Mets, Rangers, Yankees, Knicks, Giants, Jets, Nets and Devils. Evan has even started to contact players once again. "Over the summer, I go to lots of Mets games so started waiting afterwards to see if the players would donate something to the Hot Cocoa Stand. Some of the players told me to contact them on Twitter or email their agents. David Wright asked me for my email address. A few days later, the Mets equipment manager emailed me and asked for my home address. About a week later, I received a big box with two bats...one signed by David Wright for the Hot Cocoa Stand and the other for me with the words, "Evan, Keep Up the Good Work". The Rangers have also donated a hockey team with signatures from the team.

Local stores have donated gift certificates for the non-sports raffle. Sponsors include All Good Things, Neil's Sports, Beginnings, Cheers Wine, Standing Room Only, Cheryl's Closet, Infinity and more are expected to donate before the event.

In a winter where hot cocoa was so desperately needed, it's nice to see it warming kids hearts in other ways as well. Do your part to warm some hearts at Evan and Joshua Greenberg's 9TH Annual Hot Cocoa stand while they raise money to support Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The event will take place at All Good Things in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center in Scarsdale on Saturday March 7, from 11:0am-5pm and Sunday March 8, 12:00pm-6pm.