LIFT-The Bronx first annual Community Appreciation Event, drew 120 people to Belmont Avenue on June 22, 2013 for a block party / resource fair filled with outdoor fun and learning. The goal of the day was to provide a space where community members and community partner organizations could interact and network.
The block party featured 14 community partner organizations, each with their own table set up on Belmont Avenue which was closed off for the event. LIFT’s volunteer advocates helped to set up, register community members, take pictures, and entertain the neighborhood children. LIFT clients and Bronx community members were invited with their families to walk around and learn about our community partner organizations and what they have to offer. It was a great way for community partner organizations to interact and network with each other.
“It was a great event! Getting to know all of the organizations that are doing similar work such as LIFT – to provide economic stability to the most disadvantaged population – was truly inspiring and makes me feel so hopeful about the future,” said LIFT advocate, Nisha Tannenbaum. “It was also a plus that we were able to reach out to new clients that, otherwise, did not know about LIFT. We are [all about] our clients… the more the merrier!”
As the day continued, the sidewalks continued to fill up with more clients, community members and even street art from all the children that came out to the event. There was also a family portrait station where families would have a professional picture taken of them. Overall, it was so great to see the community come together to make this event a success.
The event will definitely be continued in the future. LIFT – The Bronx is so pleased with the outcome especially because it was the first ever community appreciation resource fair and block party.
Photos from the event can be viewed here.