Let’s Help Arnie Siegel Stay in His Home

Hi Kinderwelt Community and Arnie's friends,

If you spent summers at Kinderwelt in the '40s-’60s, then you know Arnold (Arnie) Siegel. That sunny, generous guy who always looked out for the younger campers, led basketball games late into the night, and was the general of the Color War team everyone wanted to be on. He wasn’t just a camper or counselor—he was a connector.

And now, at 84, Arnie needs our help to stay in his apartment.

He and my mom, Suzanne Pulier, who dated back in those Kinderwelt days, have stayed close all these years. Together, they’ve hosted reunions and camp dinners—drawing people from across the country, even Israel—to keep this community together. Arnie has always shown up for Kinderwelt. Now we have the chance to show up for him.

How It Happened

After a successful career as CEO of Adirondack Furniture Company, Arnie retired in his late 60s with savings he thought would last. Like so many of us, he planned carefully. He tried to do everything right.

But over time—between rising costs and the unpredictable challenges of aging—his savings ran out. He moved from his one-bedroom apartment to a studio two years ago to save money and started looking for work. His only income is his $2,400 Social Security check—and it’s just not enough to cover even his basic expenses.

For the past two years, Arnie has been trying—every single day—to find a job. He’s worked with a mentor and a career coach, learned LinkedIn and job boards, attended job fairs, and applied to so many jobs: hospitality, retail, customer service, sales—anything that would let him show up with his trademark warmth, resilience, and people skills.

He’s like extended family to me, and I’ve been in touch with him constantly—sometimes daily—helping with resumes and cover letters, cheering him on, reminding him not to give up. This is a man who still plays full-court basketball every week — he’s still got the energy and drive to contribute meaningfully and support himself. What he doesn’t have is someone willing to take a chance on an 84-year-old, no matter how capable he is.

Why We’re Asking

Arnie’s rent is due next Friday. There’s a short grace period, but after that, he’ll be evicted. There is no backup plan. No savings to draw from. No family safety net.

My mom, my dad Stephen, and a few of his closest friends have been doing everything they can to support him—but this is bigger than what a few people can shoulder.

So I’m turning to you—his Kinderwelt community.

We’re Hoping to Raise $25,000 to:

After a lifetime of lifting others up, Arnie deserves to age with dignity. He deserves a safe place to live while he keeps trying.

If he ever made you smile at camp… if he ever cheered you on… if you believe in second chances—please consider helping.

And if you know someone who might hire him-- please reach out. He’d start tomorrow!

Let’s help Arnie stay housed. Let’s remind him—through our kindness—that the community he’s spent a lifetime holding together is here for him now.

With love and deep gratitude,

Julie

(on behalf of my parents, Suzanne and Stephen, and Arnie’s closest lifelong friends)

From Suzanne:

“Arnie and I grew up together at Kinderwelt, and we’ve stayed close through all the years since. Together, we’ve tried to keep the magic of that community alive—hosting dinners, planning reunions, gathering old friends. He has always been incredibly generous with my family, and I’ve supported him however I can—but now, I’m asking you to join me and his nearest and dearest!”

From Arnie:

“Kinderwelt gave me some of the best years of my life and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. I have loved planning dinner parties and reunions to keep that spirit alive all these years—it’s meant everything to me. Really.

I’ve worked hard my whole life. I never imagined I’d be in this position. But I still believe I have something to offer. I still want to work.

Right now, I just need a little help getting through the next few months. If you’re able to support me, I’ll never forget it.”