Posted: July 1, 2005
Source: PARAMUS and the Surrounding Areas MAGAZINE (SUMMER 2005)

Back On Their Feet Again

Looking for a colorful bracelet to complete your summer look?

The Footprints in the Sand™ Foundation offers a choice of red, blue or purple, and for only a buck you get a fashion statement and the satisfaction of helping out area residents. Established to help area families in crisis, the nonprofit has since last year sold 20,000 bracelets emblazoned with the word "compassion".

The seeds for Footprints were planted three years ago when Bill and AnnMarie Villafranco of Montvale offered financial support to two close friends after the deaths of their spouses. Today, the foundation has raised over $100,000 through individual donations and three major fund-raising events, each attracting over 650 people. So far, $60,000 has been distributed among 10 families across Pascack Valley and southern Rockland County, with several others soon to receive checks.

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Posted: MAY 4, 2005
Source: Kathryn A. Burger (Pascack Valley Community Life)

An Evening Of Fun For A Good Cause Draws 800

WOODCLIFF LAKE - "It was a truly incredible event." So said Bill Villafranco, one of the founders of the Footprints in the Sand™ Foundation.

More than 800 people came to the second annual "Footprints at The Rink" fundraiser held last month and nearly $30,000 was raised.

How was that much raised in a matter of hours? "There were so many people willing to help. Many people bought tickets knowing they weren't going to be able to come. Some sent donations. We had almost 80 gift baskets in the silent auction - local businesses, families and individuals were so generous!" They had a pretty good idea of how many baskets they'd have, but Villafranco said people just kept showing up with them. "It was amazing."

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Posted: April 6, 2005
Source: Kathryn A. Burger (Pascack Valley Community Life)

Foundation Helps Area Families

MONTVALE - The inspiration for the Footprints in the Sand™ Foundation came from one family's personal tragedy. Its success has come from that families commitment to helping others through difficult times and the support received from the community.

Established only three years ago, the foundation has raised more than $100,000 and dispensed it to 10 area families. The foundation operates in concert with established agencies but focuses on helping families that don't meet traditional thresholds.

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Posted: March 10, 2005
Source: Khurram Saeed (The Journal News)

Stepping Up To Help:
Financial adviser starts Footprints Foundation after tragedy hits home.

The day Bill Villafranco buried his newborn child at St. Anthony's Cemetary in Nanuet, family friend and church pastor William Warren read the poem "Footprints in the Sand" as part of his eulogy.

Billy, Villafranco's son, had choked on his umbilical cord hours before he was born. Although he didn't know it at the time, the poem Villafranco heard that day in 1992 would have a profound impact on his life.

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Posted: March 9, 2005
Source: Alison Krawiec

Making A Mark:
the 'Footprints' team

The following is a continuation of a story that ran in last week's Pascack Press about a local charity foundation, The Footprints in the Sand.

A twist in The Footprints in the Sand's success story is that its Board of Directors is made up of representatives from local families and includes one child from each household as a full member.

According to Footprints founder Bill Villafranco of Montvale, the teen board members "make an absolutely huge impact" on the group.

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Posted: March 2, 2005
Source: Alison Krawiec

Making A Mark:
'Footprints in the Sand' assists those in need

When you see people walking around the Pascack Valley in "Compassion" sweatshirts - be assured it is not the name of a new band or university. It is a statement, fund-raiser and mark of community support for The Footprints in the Sand Foundation.

This Pascack Valley-based charity foundation aims to lighten the load of local families in times of need by helping them obtain necessary medical, therapeutic, educational, and legal services through financial aid and strategic support.

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Posted: January 1, 2005
Source: William S. Villafranco (Footprints in the Sand)

Learning How To Live
If you're not giving something back, it doesn't matter how much you win.

Life is about maintaining relationships -- your ability to be a good father, husband, son and brother -- not about how much money you make or how much power you have. As a child, I had expectations that corporate success would give me happiness and make me a good person. But when that success became a reality, all I found was confusion. I kept having the belief that if it wasn't going to be this new venture, I would certainly find what I was looking for with the next venture, the next house, the next car, the next honor. I think it happens to a lot of people: You start losing perspective...

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Posted: December 31, 2004
Source: Walter Dawkins (Bergen Record)

Poetry Puts Help In Motion
Verse inspires Montvale man to found charity

MONTVALE - When his newborn son died 12 years ago, Bill Villafranco was devastated. He didn't know what he would do.

However, a priest gave the distraught Villafranco a poem that would one day make a difference in his life - and those of others.

"You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always," reads the poem, "Footprints in the Sand," written by Mary Stevenson...

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Posted: September 26, 2004
Source: Dan Smith and Scott Bruce (Footprints in the Sand)

Thanks To The Footprints In The Park Attendees, Volunteers, Corporate Sponsors And Donors

On September 26, 2004 the Footprints in the Sand Foundation held its second charity event, Footprints in the Park at the scenic Anthony Wayne Recreation Area-Harriman State Park. The day began with a 90 mile motorcycle run to the location. Upon arrival, the motorcycle riders enjoyed door prizes donated by Prestige Harley-Davidson, Rockwell Cycles, Haverstraw Motorsports, Bergen County Cycles, Bergen County Harley-Davidson/Buell, and Moroney’s Harley-Davidson.

Everyone enjoyed the great weather, along with live music from “Jimmy and the Parrots” and “Dogvoices.” MaDoRe Hair and Nails of Westwood provided reflexology and manicures. For the more active folks, there were whiffle ball games, Frisbee, and football throws. Kids enjoyed free pony rides and...

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Posted: March 10, 2004
Source: Kevin Glynn (Pascack Valley Community Life)

'Footprints' Aids Families
Will host fundraiser at The Rink

MONTVALE - Those who lose a loved one are often confronted with a deep sense of loneliness and emptiness that seems almost impossible to overcome. Add to that emotional strain the burden of financial uncertainty and, the difficulties seem insurmountable.

Ten years ago, William Villafranco and his wife AnnMarie, suffered a terrible loss. "Since then, I have devoted my life to children," says Villafranco.

Villafranco, his wife, and daughter Amanda started a family foundation called Footprints in the Sand. "The purpose of the foundation was and continues to be, to help families in the local community who lost a loved one...

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