Lucky local wins Ford Mustang Mach-E
By Jessica Meditz
jmeditz@queensledger.com
Last Wednesday, Maspeth’s music lovers of all ages traveled back in time to a night of doo-wop classics and ‘60s hits.
The Crystals, The Happenings and Bobby Wilson graced the stage of Maspeth Federal Savings’ culmination of their summer concert series—as part of their 75 Days of Giving initiative.
With flashy lights and even pyrotechnics coming from the stage, concert-goers danced the night away and sang along to the nostalgic tunes.
The Crystals sported sparkly dresses, living up to their name. They opened up the concert with the well-known “Chapel of Love,” made famous by The Dixie Cups in 1964.
The Crystals. (Photo: Jessica Meditz)
Led by Brooklyn’s own Dolores “Dee Dee” Kenniebrew, an original member of the group, The Crystals went on to sing other classics such as “Rescue Me,” “Then He Kissed Me,” “Da Doo Ron Ron” and “He’s A Rebel.”
After The Crystals closed out with a soulful expression of “I’ll Be There” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” the Maspeth Federal Savings team took the stage to announce the winner of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, the grand prize of their 75 Days of Giving celebration.
“Maspeth Federal has been here for 75 years serving these great communities, and we’re so proud to announce that we’ve raised over $20,000 for charities during our 75 Days of Giving,” said Thomas Rudzewick, president and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings.
“We’re very proud to announce that there were over 3,000 entrants to win this beautiful Ford Mustang Mach-E,” he continued. “I’m so thankful for this great event and 75 years of serving the community.”
After an intern from Maspeth Federal spun the canister with the entries, Rudzewick announced the winner as Martyna Kowalski, a nurse in the area and a customer of the bank.
The Happenings, led by Bobby Miranda, kept the excitement going with their matching red jackets and enthusiasm.
The Happenings, led by Bobby Miranda.
They serenaded the crowd with hits such as “See You in September,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Go Away Little Girl,” and closed out their performance in true “Maspeth is America” fashion with “God Bless the USA.”
Bobby Wilson, the son of famed soul singer, Jackie Wilson, closed out the show performing hits of his father’s, as well as other R&B and doo-wop classics.
As part of their 75 Days of Giving, Maspeth Federal Savings put on other concerts throughout the series: Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra, a polka music band; The Chiclettes, performing rock & roll, motown and disco hits; and Louis Del Prete, a singer, dancer and musician performing music throughout the decades.
Additionally, the bank awarded other prizes throughout the 75 days, including a Roku, Apple Watch, iPad and Mets tickets.
Bobby Wilson. (Photo: Jessica Meditz)
They also initiated a sense of community through giving out gift cards to local businesses, such as Aigner Chocolates, Valentino Food Market, O’Neill’s Restaurant and Eddie’s Sweet Shop.
“The 75 Days of Giving was a tremendous success,” said Jill Nicolois, assistant vice president and community affairs director at Maspeth Federal Savings.
“To say [the winner of the car] is excited would be an understatement. We are so thrilled for her,” she continued. “It was great to see people excited to come in and anticipate things, and to serve the neighborhood.”
Maspeth Federal Savings continues to host community events, including the upcoming Movie Nights featuring “Luca” and “Encanto” on Aug. 19 and 26, respectively, the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Sept. 10 and the Smile On Maspeth Carnival on Sept. 18.
