Thousands Cross B’klyn Bridge For Rally in Cadman Plaza Park
By Don Evans and Mary Frost
Brooklyn Daily Eagle
CADMAN PLAZA -- To the urgent beat of Afro and Latino band music – along with tropical jazz, modern dance and high-spirited puppetry -- thousands of volunteer advocates supporting United Way organizations enjoyed the Live United Day of Action after crossing Brooklyn Bridge into Cadman Plaza Park last Saturday, Sept. 20.
"By joining us today, you help raise awareness about critical gaps that exist in the areas of education, income and health in our city," Gordon J. Campbell told the Brooklyn Eagle. Campbell is president and CEO of United Way of New York City, the umbrella agency for many nonprofit social service entities. By marching over the Brooklyn Bridge, “We’re taking a symbolic stand to bridge that gap.â€
Referring to the current chaos on Wall Street and in Washington, D.C., Campbell said, “We have some very serious economic challenges right now. All of New York needs to come together in terms of volunteering, to give back. A lot of people are having to make some very difficult choices – we can’t forget those New Yorkers.â€
To inform festival participants about their services, dozens of organizations -- among them the Mayor's Volunteer Center -- encircled the park with information tables and tents.
Participants lined up all afternoon for delicacies such as pupusas and corn tamales from the Red Hook Vendors, while children enjoyed arts and crafts and sleight of hand from magician Blake Hayes.
Telemundo’s celebrity guest Penelope Menchaca vivaciously kicked off the entertainment, introducing the colorful Mama Mariachi troupe, followed by a slew of acts including Brooklyn’s Dancewave, Puppetry Arts Theatre, Brooklyn Women’s Chorus, Filipino Arts & Music Ensemble and more.
Information about social service groups across the five boroughs is available on the Internet at unitedwaynyc.org and volunteernyc.org.
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© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2008
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