Children enjoy a carnival ride at a previous Ronald McDonald House outing in Scarsdale at the Crossway firehouse. The firefighters are soliciting donations for this summer's third annual event.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo/Scarsdale Fire Department

Scarsdale firefighter John Savarese, right, poses with a Ronald McDonald House patient at a previous event at Scarsdale's Crossway fire station.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo/Scarsdale Fire Department

SCARSDALE, N.Y. – Scarsdale firefighter John Savarese was ready to start working his magic for a third straight year, creating a day of fun and laughter in the midst of young lives often filled with pain, struggles and uncertainty.

Savarese, who doubles as a professional magician, is the driving force behind what has become an annual summer outing for the patients of Manhattan's Ronald McDonald House on 73rd Street. Savarese volunteers at the house and entertains with his prestidigitation, and had the idea to bring the children – cancer patients in various stages of the disease and treatment – to Scarsdale for a day of fun.

"They look forward to it," he said Tuesday as he talked about gearing up for this year's third annual event. "They really enjoy it. The families love it, too. They can let the kids go and run around and have fun and they know they're safe."

The event is sponsored and organized by the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Scarsdale, Inc. Local 1394. The patients and their families mingle with the firefighters, invited dignitaries and volunteers and their families.

"It's a learning experience" for the healthy children that take part, Savarese said. "They get along, have a good time, and it gives them a whole new perspective on life. You can't help be changed by being a part of this."

Savarese said that, so far, they've had "two great days," weather-wise each of the past two years at the Crossway fire station. The area was packed with carnival games and rides and plenty of food. "Lots of local restaurants donated food last year," he said. "We had an overabundance of food."

After playtime at the firehouse, the group goes to the Scarsdale pool for 90 minutes of fun.

This year's event is set for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 19, and Savarese is out pounding the pavement to raise money for the event. He's been soliciting businesses for gift cards to be sold, with a portion of the proceeds going to the event. Local businesses are getting onboard, and he is trying to bring national chains such as Best Buy, Starbucks and Modell's into the fold. He is hoping to start selling the cards by April 1.

"I'm getting good feedback locally, but we have to get the OK from corporate headquarters," he said. He is also talking to several radio and TV celebrities who say they will help publicize the event, and just might show up at Crossway. He has also invited New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and he has approached the military about bringing some equipment for the kids to check out.

Individual and corporate donations are always needed, he said, and any donations in excess of what is needed to run the event go to the Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan. Savarese said that, this year, he is hoping to bring the Westchester chapter into the event as well.

To donate or volunteer, call Savarese at (914) 965-8514.