Bogota — It was like a scene out of a car commercial.
An excited woman accepted a car with a big red bow from a woman with a smile on her face.
There were two main differences, however.
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Staff photo by Roy Caratazzolo III
Estelle Butts, left, accepts the keys to a 1995 Saturn SL2 from Michelle Attardi who donated the vehicle to Butts and her family through Giants of Generosity. Butts’ children Brittany, Barry and Brielle look on.
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The car wasn’t new and the two women had just met.
Estelle Butts, a single mother living in Bogota with her three children, was grateful for the 1995 Saturn SL2 that was parked outside her house.
Michelle Attardi, a Cresskill resident, gave the vehicle with 78,000 miles to Butts April 6 through the charity organization Giants of Generosity.
The nonprofit group, located in Cresskill, helps local community members and stresses the idea of paying it forward. D. Jane Albanese, founder of Giants of Generosity, got the idea for the organization while watching an episode of "Oprah." Albanese, who had been through a difficult time, watched as individuals gave $1,000 to each audience member.
"The joy of the people giving the money was something I was searching for. A light bulb went on. I said I have got to do something," she said.
That was about a year ago. Since then, Albanese has gotten volunteers and has raised money for several area residents.
"The difference with us is that we’re a community based organization. We want the people donating to get involved," she said.
That philosophy was what convinced Attardi to donate her car through Giants of Generosity.
"I’ve been fortunate to have help in my times of need. I experienced loss recently and wanted to do something nice for someone. I got a new car in October. I was thinking of donating this car to another organization, but this was the right move, to help people in the community," Attardi said. "This is a beautiful moment for all of us. I love the pay it forward message."
Butts, who was without a car, expressed her gratitude. "Your generosity is very overwhelming. It’s a blessing. It’s a good thing to know there are angels out there."
The car has a new battery, horn, brakes and tires, but it isn’t in perfect condition. "It squeaks and could use a good bath on the inside," Albanese said. From the look on Butts’ face, however, she didn’t seem to mind.
The car donation is the first for Giants of Generosity. Albanese explained that she heard Butts’ story from Richard Stennard, deacon at the Community Baptist Church in Englewood. The church had donated $500 to the nonprofit and Albanese wanted to return the favor. She decided Butts, a member of the congregation, was a good candidate for the vehicle after a telephone conversation.
Giants of Generosity has helped other local families as well. Albanese talked about monetary donations given to a 62-year-old woman facing eviction because of a Welfare cut, the family of a woman in a coma and the children of a 48-year-old breast cancer victim. The organization is currently collecting funds for a woman battling breast cancer without health insurance. The group is also accepting money for Angel Deida and his family. Deida, of Bergenfield, seriously injured his neck while trying to help a Tenafly woman being mugged outside his home April 4.
Attardi hopes her act of giving can be part of a cycle. "These are the types of things that help us evolve. It’s important to donate whatever you can. This type of giving inspires others to do the same."
Butts’ three children, Barry, Brittany and Brielle, were all appreciative of the Saturn, but the gift has special meaning to Brielle. "I’m getting my permit soon so I’m excited," she said.
