Jennifer Lynn Schnaars memorial BBQ set for Saturday

MONROE - Family and friends of Jennifer Lynn Schnaars will gather together on Saturday, July 24 for a memorial fundraising barbeque to benefit the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The mission of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. The Hudson Valley Chapter of Make-A-Wish is based in Tarrytown and supports Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Ulster, Sullivan, Westchester, Delaware, and Dutchess counties. "Our fundraising effort to keep Jen's memory alive began five years ago when Jen, at the young age of 19, passed away as the result of a car accident. Five years, and over $50,000 later, we are continuing to honor this very special young lady's unique zest for life," said her sister Lori A. Smith of Monroe. The generosity of family members, friends, and businesses continue to make this possible. The Fifth Annual Jennifer Lynn Schnaars Memorial Barbecue takes place tomorrow from 2 to 9 p.m. at the outside pavilion of Monroe American Legion Post 488 on Lakes Road. Over the past few years, this fundraising success has enabled the memorial fund to grant some very special wishes including: a teenager's wish to visit Hawaii and swim with the dolphins, a 4 year-old boy's wish to meet his favorite cartoon character, "Cat Dog" and become part of the animation, a 6 year-old boy's wish to travel to Disney World with his family, a 4 year-old's wish to travel by train to a beach to play in the sand and visit an amusement park, a 12-year old boy's wish to meet the New York Yankees and receive a bat autographed by the players, a 4 year-old girl's wish to visit Cinderella at her famous castle in Disney World and a 16 year-old boy's wish to have his very own touch screen computer. "This year, as we strive to raise the bar on our fundraising success," said Lori Smith, "we ask for your support in helping us sponsor the following two very special wishes: • Juliette, 13, wishes to visit the tropical paradise of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Juliette likes to play softball, sing in chorus, and perform dance and drama. She loves animals, especially dolphins. When Make-A-Wish visited with Juliette recently, she had already done her homework. Through Internet research she found a tropical paradise that intrigued her n Isla Mujeres, Mexico n just off the coast of Cancun. This summer Juliette's wish will come true when she travels to the tropics to enjoy the beach, visit with the local animals and swim in the cool blue water, • Joseph, 8, wishes to have his own very special place n a completely redecorated bedroom. He loves Barney books, movies, and the color red. Much of his treatment for his medical condition takes place at home, so he has been dreaming of his own special room n one suitable for him and his friends to play in. So, when wish volunteers inquired about his wish, he knew just what to ask for n to have his bedroom redecorated. In addition to working with a designer to put this creative wish together, plans include rearranging his medical equipment, painting the room with bright and fun colors, and purchasing some new and exciting furniture. Once completed, Joseph will have his wish come true — a space to call all his own! This fundraising event continues to serve as a celebration of Jen's life and the many people she touched. Her sister added, "Jen's love of life and her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher continue to make the Make-A-Wish Foundation the most appropriate charity to honor her memory. Our greatest tribute to Jen is to see her memory live on through another child's happiness." The family of Jennifer Lynn Schnaars said they welcome and appreciate the public's generosity in any form deemed appropriate. Lori Smith can be contacted at 783-7066 or Charlie Schnaars at (203) 352-7571 (daytime) / (201) 941-6289 (evening) with any questions. Make checks payable to "The Jennifer Lynn Schnaars Memorial Fund" and mailed to: Lori A. Smith, 3 Barnett Drive, Apartment 1B, Monroe, N.Y. 10950.