Go Local – A Lasting Impression

When you travel to new places do you aspire to make a difference? To leave knowing that you had a positive impact on someone’s life?

Here are some organizations in the New York City area that are making strides in the community, inspiring change, and empowering others. Visit their websites to learn more!

City Girl Beauty Project – ​Women whose lives were affected by domestic violence and human trafficking, coming together to make a difference and be apart of the solution. ​The mission of City Girl Beauty Project is empower and impact the lives of young girls and women (ages 18 – 30) who struggle with uncertainty and low self worth as they transition into a life after domestic violence and human trafficking. – http://www.givingisglamorous.org

Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals – saving and re-homing thousands of New York City’s dogs and cats, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is the sole umbrella organization for animal welfare in NYC.  The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals is committed to seeing the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home. http://www.animalalliancenyc.org

Baby Buggy – Since 2001, Baby Buggy has donated over 6 million items to families in need, including diapers, strollers, bottles and toys. Their motto “Love, Recycled” fuels their mission to help families in need. – http://babybuggy.org

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) –  “nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN’s mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.” – http://www.keennewyork.org

Forestdale Inc – an organization dedicated to the future of the children of Queens [They] are committed to breaking the destructive cycle of poverty and trauma that afflicts generations of inner-city children…[Their] mission is to ensure that children have the fundamental assets they need to grow into independent and engaged adults, specifically a secure home life, education and workforce opportunity, and health literacy. With a history of service dating back to 1854, Forestdale serves as a resource for families from Astoria to Far Rockaway. http://forestdaleinc.org

Beating Cancer in Heels – Dedicated to the empowerment of women the organization provides programming that helps the individual function in their own world with a positive attitude, and a face of hope and strength.

If you are in the NYC area Thursday, May 2nd check out  the “City Girl Beauty Project’s Launch and Annual Fundraiser for survivors of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence. Learn more about the organization, their new project, and how you can help empower and inspire survivors. Visit http://citygirlbeautyproject.eventbrite.com for more details.

I hope to see you there! What are some of your favorite local organizations to volunteer with?

Until next time -xo AGT

Strengthening Families Since 1854

Forestdale, a child welfare agency headquartered in Queens, is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the inner-city families of Queens that dates back more than 150 years. Their involvement in the community allows them to touch the lives of nearly 1,000 New York City families each year with programs like; Foster Care, Teen Parents in Action (Teen Health Clinic), Family Crisis Intervention (Preventive), their nationally-recognized Fathering Initiative, and their Educational Excellence and Workforce Development Initiative.

Last week over a hundred people danced to music by celebrity DJ Teal, viewed a gallery showcase from the Forestdale youth, bid on silent auction items donated by friends of Forestdale, sipped coctails, and enjoyed passed hors d’oevers and musical performances by Broadway actors Maura Kelly, Pamela Stein, and Nick Tangorra in support of Forestdale’s annual gala event at Stitch Bar in NYC.

Broadway actors Maura Kelly and Pamela Stein

Reverend Dr. Alfonso Wyatt gave the invocation and Benefit Chair Sinead Whelan and Executive Director Anstiss Agnew welcomed everyone to the event, then special attention was given to Peter Vallone(Former NYC Council Speaker) and Jetblue Airways for their support. Jetblue Airways has helped them build a playground for children in foster care and those experiencing a family crisis, helped them send teens on college tours, and hosted a toy drive for children without families and for families living in shelters. Forestdale received a big surprise when representatives from JetBlue informed them they would be receiving $25,000 to help with assist more students and families.

Executive Director Anstiss Agnew with a rep from Jetblue Airways

Executive Director Anstiss Agnew with Peter Vallone

The silent auction had lots of cool items to bid on from a necklace and earring set donated by Mina D, Mets and Yankees tickets, throwback jerseys from Patrick Ewing and , a signed baseball by David Wright (NY Mets), and lots of other goodies.

The event was so much fun to attend and I learned a lot about the organization and how they plan to impact their community in a positive way. Forestdale’s goal is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, homelessness and despair that cycle through multiple generations of our country – the wealthiest in the world. In order to effect systemic change, our society must come together and create a corps of volunteers as a human safety net.

For more information about Forestdale visit their website at www.forestdaleinc.org.

Love AGT :)

Forestdale Inc’s Annual Gala Fundraiser

Forestdale Inc’s Annual Benefit
May 15, 2012 7-10pm
Stitch NYC, 247 West 37th St., New York, NY

The evening will consist of Open Bar, Hors d’oeuvres, Networking, Raffles, and a Silent Auction with many fabulous prizes. There will be live performances and a very special art gallery display. Celebrity DJ Teal will spin tunes all night.

Supporter Tickets – $75 per person
Angel Tickets – $100 per person
Please click here to purchase tickets, or purchase them at the door.

Funding will go toward educational opportunities and preparing youth to successfully enter the job force.

Forestdale’s goal is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, homelessness and despair that cycle through multiple generations of our country – the wealthiest in the world. In order to effect systemic change, our society must come together and create a corps of volunteers as a human safety net.

About Forestdale
Forestdale is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the inner-city families of Queens that dates back more than 150 years. We are the only child welfare agency headquartered in Queens. Forestdale touches the lives of nearly 1,000 New York City families each year. We listen, support and help families invest in their children.

Our work unfolds through the following core programs: Foster Care, Teen Parents in Action (Teen Health Clinic), Family Crisis Intervention (Preventive), our nationally-recognized Fathering Initiative, and our Educational Excellence and Workforce Development Initiative. For more information about Forestdale or to purchase tickets, please visit our website at www.forestdaleinc.org.

Please contact Bridget O’ Brien at bridget@bridgetobrienprandevents.com for more information. Hope to see you there!

Love AGT :)