Unless you live under a rock anyone that lives in the Westport/Fairfield area knows of the local ice cream shop Saugatuck Sweets but you may not know the name Al Diguido? Not only is he the owner of Saugatuck Sweets but he is also the founder of Al’s Angels. Al’s Angels is a non profit that provides support to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. Al truly is an angel and we are blessed to have him in this community and thank him for his unbelievable selflessness.
If you are like us you may be wondering what made Al start his foundation. The answer may surprise you. Twenty-four years ago Al was invited to attend an event in New Jersey that was hosting the NY Giant football team and their wives. It was a charity fashion show to benefit a new charity called Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund. Al was a die hard fan and was just excited to see his favorite players up close and personal and walk away with autographs. The night had been just as he expected with everyone laughing, taking pictures and getting autographs until the end of the evening, when a young woman came to the podium and brought order and silence to the room. She said “Thank you for coming. I want to introduce you to some women who will explain our purpose here tonight.” What was a very noisy room became respectfully quiet.
The first of four moms came to the podium. Her voice was shaking. “My name is Betty. My daughter is Charlotte. She is seven years old and is dying of cancer. We have been wiped out financially. The money that we raise here tonight will allow me to buy food and clothing for my children.” Her voice was breaking. She said “thank you” politely and walked off, allowing 3 other mothers to tell their similar stories and express appreciation to the crowd. These words outraged Al. He could not understand how it was possible that , in the United States of America, mothers of dying children had to stand in front of strangers and beg for money, food and clothing. On his dark and rainy drive home, the words. “What if it were YOU” haunted him so deeply that he pulled over and cried. He kept thinking about his three young, healthy children asleep in their beds at home. What if it were them? On the side of the road Al felt that God spoke to him and said. “You must use the gifts that I have given you to help these children and their families.” Al’s Angels began that very night on the side of the road somewhere in New Jersey. He has since committed to doing all that he could with as many friends, family and strangers, to help children battling cancer, rare blood diseases and severe financial hardship. He has never looked back since.
Al is always looking for more Angels….people who will step up and help. One of Al’s largest initiatives will take place on Saturday, November 10th. Al’s Angels will work together to assemble over 1600 Thanksgiving meal bins to provide a healthy meal for children and families that are battling cancer and other severe illness & hardship. This is a wonderful family event so please consider signing up to participate in the link below and you can truly help make a difference.
Join Al’s Angels (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0949a9aa28a2fc1-als7) as we assemble over 1,600 Thanksgiving Meal Bins to provide a holiday meal for children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases & e financial hardship! All are welcome! We love having the entire family join us for this incredible event!
