Lily Pillette (pictured above) from Scarsdale, New York will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in a couple of months, but her Mitzvah Project called, Hats For Hope is well underway!
We asked Lily to answer some questions for Mitzvah Market about her special Mitzvah Project:
MM: Please give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
LP: My Aunt Hope passed away May 2019 after a brave 20-month battle with a rare form of cancer. Last summer, when I was unexpectedly home due to COVID, I took up knitting to pass the time. I learned that I’m good at it and I love it!
MM: Why did you decide to knit hats for your Mitzvah Project?
LP: Hats were one of our first knitting projects. My mom and I came up with the idea to knit hats for cancer patients, and others in need, in my Aunt Hope’s memory. I named the project “Hats for Hope.” I also thought it would be great to raise money for cancer medical care and research. Watching my Aunt suffer was one of the hardest times of my life, I want to do whatever I can to help find a cure for those that are praying for one every day. Hope was treated at NYU Perlumtter Cancer Center, and all of the funds raised are donated to their efforts. I’ve raised over $5,000 so far!
MM: How long do you plan to keep knitting hats?
LP: I plan to continue knitting hats for cancer patients and others in need, and raising funds for cancer medical care and research forever. I’m donating all funds to Perlmutter because that’s where Hope was treated and they took very good care of her. Once we’re past COVID, I’m hopeful they will accept our hats for cancer patients. In the meantime, I’m donating hats to those in need through White Plains Hospital. I also welcome people to reach out to me or my mom at [email protected] directly, if they know of anyone in need of hats – kids, families, cancer patients. I’m happy to help!
MM: What does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
LP: A Mitzvah Project is an opportunity for me to do good and to help others. This has also been an opportunity for me to have new experiences, like fundraising. It feels really good to have found a way to keep Aunt Hope alive!
MM: How are you spreading the word about your Mitzvah Project?
LP: My mom posted the project on her Facebook and Instagram pages. Additionally, my cousin Jodi is an awesome yoga instructor, last summer she taught me and a group of friends yoga every week in our backyards. I came up with the idea to offer a free yoga class with Jodi in Hope’s memory, we invited people to make a donation if they chose to.
MM: What should readers do if they are interested in donating?
LP: You can reach out to the NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center and/or White Plains Hospital Foundation.
We thank Lily for sharing her special Mitzvah Project in memory of her Aunt Hope. Mazel Tov on your upcoming Bat Mitzvah!
