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Support NYC Stray Cats at MeowSquad’s Halloween Fundraiser

BQE Admin on October 17, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

MeowSquad NYC, a Queens-based animal rescue organization, is set to host its Second Annual ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ fundraiser on Friday, October 25, at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Knights of Columbus, located at 78 Hempstead Avenue in Lynbrook. All proceeds from the evening will directly benefit MeowSquad’s rescue efforts and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, which aim to address the growing stray and feral cat population in New York City.

Founded in 2019 by Howard Beach resident Stephanie Castro, MeowSquad NYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating cats in need. Since its inception, the organization has successfully rescued over 1,000 cats, often operating in high-need areas throughout Queens, Brooklyn, and parts of Long Island. The organization uses TNR techniques to humanely control feral cat populations, while also working with the community to find forever homes for cats that can be resocialized.

“We here at MeowSquad are thrilled to host our Second Annual ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ fundraiser benefiting our rescue,” said Castro. “Fundraisers like these are so crucial to our success – especially as the stray cat population continues to balloon in New York City. It has been a difficult year for MeowSquad – and so many of our shelters are overwhelmed. Let’s turn the spirit of Halloween into a night of hope for our feline friends. Your support at this event ensures that our cats get the care they need. It is my sincere hope the fundraiser will be a success for our community and our cats. We welcome anyone who would like to attend!”

Courtesy MeowSquad NYC

Tickets are $100 for those 21 and older, and $50 for younger attendees, available through Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal.

The family-friendly fundraiser promises an exciting evening filled with activities designed to engage attendees of all ages. Guests can look forward to a catered dinner, a live DJ, and an open bar, creating a festive atmosphere for all. A costume contest will allow attendees to showcase their creativity, while raffles and a silent auction will feature a variety of donated items, including a virtual makeup lesson with Lisa Poe, a professional makeup artist known for her work on hit shows like “Tell Me Lies” and “13 Reasons Why.” Other auction items include a DJI 4K drone, autographed New York Giants memorabilia, horseback riding lessons at Fox Breeze Farms, and numerous gift certificates to local businesses in Howard Beach.

Tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular are priced at $100 for attendees aged 21 and older, and $50 for those under 21. Tickets can be purchased through popular payment platforms such as Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. 

“MeowSquad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not based in Howard Beach, and we are dedicated to reducing the large stray and feral cat population,” Natalia Trapani, Volunteer said. “We serve Queens, sometimes Brooklyn and sometimes Long Island where there’s a need, you know, we try to help where we can.”

MeowSquad’s volunteer coordinator Trapani, emphasized the importance of community support, particularly in light of the challenges faced by animal rescues this year.

“We work with the community to find our cats that can be re-socialized and relocate those to safe working environments,” Trapani said. “We are completely volunteer-run so everyone, every member of MeowSquad, does it for the love of animals. We recently started to try to expand and find different ways to raise funds for the rescue. We typically have one to two fundraisers a year. So this is our big one this year.”

Local officials have also recognized the importance of MeowSquad’s work. Council Member Joann Ariola expressed her strong support for the organization, 

“MeowSquad NYC is a fantastic organization that has done so much for our four-legged friends – especially here in Queens,” said Council Member Joann Ariola. “From rescuing cats from dangerous situations, to finding loving homes for our feline friends, I am proud to have allocated $5,000 in support of their invaluable work. I wish them a Halloween Spooktacular fundraiser, filled with much success and joy. Together, let’s continue to make New York City a better place for both its human and feline residents!”

In addition to the upcoming fundraiser, MeowSquad has plans to expand its initiatives in the future. Trapani highlighted the organization’s goal of acquiring a larger holding space to accommodate the increasing number of cats needing help.

 “It has been a tough year for our rescue and for all rescues across New York City,” Trapani said. “Donations have generally been slower this year, maybe because of the economy, for one reason or another.”

Community members who cannot attend the event can still contribute through donations or by volunteering their time. MeowSquad is always looking for dedicated individuals to assist with various tasks, from social media management to hands-on support at the holding space. 

Courtesy MeowSquad NYC

MeowSquad NYC is hosting its Second Annual ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ fundraiser on October 25 at the Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook, with proceeds supporting their rescue and TNR programs for stray cats.

 

“We’re absolutely always looking for volunteers, anything from social media to helping us with our holding space, to marketing to data entry,” Trapani said. “Attending this fundraiser is a great way of supporting our cause and helping cats in our care and cats that will come into our care eventually.”

For those interested in supporting MeowSquad NYC, details about the fundraiser and volunteer opportunities can be found on the organization’s social media pages. With community support, MeowSquad aims to continue its mission of making a positive impact on the lives of cats in need throughout New York City.

“We want to get to a place where we have a larger holding space so that we can accommodate the growing need of cats across New York City and especially in Queens,” Trapani said. 

Tickets for MeowSquad NYC’s ‘Halloween Spooktacular’ are now on sale, priced at $100 for attendees aged 21 and over, and $50 for those under 21. Tickets can be purchased via Venmo (@Meowsquad), CashApp (@MeowsquadNYC), or PayPal (@MeowSquadNYC).

 

Community Leaders Unite to Support Queens Centers for Progress

BQE Admin on October 17, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) announced the successful acquisition of a $550,000 grant aimed at critical upgrades for its 164th Street Adult Center. This funding, facilitated by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic through the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), is set to enhance the facility’s infrastructure significantly.

The improvements will include the installation of a new environmentally compliant roof, replacement of ten outdated rooftop air conditioning units, and extensive waterproofing and brickwork restoration. Additionally, the fire alarm system will be modernized to meet current safety standards, ensuring a safer environment for those who rely on the Adult Center.

The extensive renovation work, completed in late August, addressed key structural issues and modernized the facility to meet safety and environmental standards. 

Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) has secured a $550,000 grant for critical upgrades to its 164th Street Adult Center, facilitated by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. 

Founded in 1950, QCP has evolved to support over 1,200 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the help of over 400 dedicated staff members, the organization aims to empower individuals to maximize their skills and improve their quality of life.

To celebrate this milestone, QCP hosted a Building Restoration and Rededication Ceremony on October 9 at the Adult Center. Rozic was joined by Assemblyman Sam Berger and Councilman James F. Gennaro. 

“We are so very excited to have Assemblywoman  Nily Rozic with us here today to thank her in the most special way for helping QCP to upgrade and improve our  building,” Wendy Phaff-Gennaro, Director of Developmental said. “And if you’re curious, photos are up here of the before and after, which are pretty astounding. And you can see on the bottom, this is where all the current work was done. It doesn’t look like a lot, but it was a lot to get it done and to do it so we’re really, really grateful for help on this.”

At the ceremony, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic expressed her excitement about the recent developments at the adult center, thanking her colleagues. She reflected on her first meeting with QCP clients, which inspired her commitment to advocating for the community. 

“A lot of times in every budget cycle, it seems this community gets left behind,” Rozic said. “And so, in a small way, today, we’re marking not just an actual investment in the brick and mortar of this building, but the actual foundation of an organization like QCP. And I’m so proud to be able to do that.”

The funding will support significant improvements, including a new roof, updated air conditioning units, and a modernized fire alarm system, enhancing safety and infrastructure.

Rozic emphasized the importance of the $550,000 investment, not just for the building’s structure but for the foundation of QCP as an organization. She recounted a visit to the center where she identified crucial needs and rallied support from the Queens delegation in the State Assembly. Rozic concluded by reaffirming her dedication to the community and presented a ceremonial check to mark the occasion.

“I knew what my mission is. I need a list,” Rozic said. “Get me a list, and we, as a Queens delegation in the State Assembly will figure out the rest of it. And we did that, and I’m so excited. And two years later, we get to stand here and celebrate all of that, and of course, a huge state investment of $550,000.”

At the ceremony, Assemblyman Sam Berger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to support Queens Centers for Progress, highlighting that one of his first meetings after being elected was with the organization. He described witnessing the “wonderful and important work” being done at QCP as one of the most heartwarming experiences he’s had. Berger thanked Assemblywoman Rozic for her efforts and acknowledged the collaborative work between their offices to secure additional funding for the building.

“I’m so grateful to be able to be a small way, a part of this field, to help fight for the needs of this building and the good work that’s being done,” Berger said. “Thank you so much, Assemblywoman Rozic for your work.”

Celebrating this milestone, QCP held a rededication ceremony on October 9, attended by key local officials and community members.

At the ceremony, Terri Ross, Executive Director of Queens Centers for Progress, expressed deep gratitude to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for her unwavering support of the community. She highlighted the challenges the organization faces in securing funding and maintaining their building, which was constructed in 1974 and is showing signs of deterioration. 

“To get the help from our fellow assembly people and legislators, it means so much to us to have you and our legislators by our side,” Ross said. “It really does. We could not do this without you. And to the individuals who are here today, to the board who is here today, to the maintenance guys who put this building together with scotch tape, I can’t thank you all enough for keeping us so together.”

Ross shared a personal anecdote about the building’s condition, noting that it had significant leaks affecting its structure. She emphasized the importance of legislative support in addressing these issues and thanked everyone involved, from the board members to maintenance staff, for their dedication. Ross also acknowledged the efforts of Wendy and her team in organizing the event and mentioned the artwork created by QCP participants, which has a special place in Rozic’s office.

Council Member Jim Gennaro praised the collaborative efforts of state officials in securing funding for Queens Centers for Progress. He acknowledged the challenges faced at the city level regarding non-city capital projects but expressed his gratitude for the support from Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Assemblyman Sam Berger. Gennaro emphasized the love and dedication that bind the QCP community together, describing it as inspiring. He concluded by commending his colleagues in the state assembly for their hard work in Albany, highlighting the complexities of passing legislation compared to city council processes. 

“When one sees the love that holds this institution together and how it spreads through the individuals and their families, and how QCP makes lives whole and strong and meaningful is really one of the most inspiring things,” Gennaro said. 

 

 

 

Malikah, Frontline Foods Queens, PERIOD, Hosts Food and Wellness Product Distribution

BQE Admin on October 17, 2024

By Alice Moreno

Helping out the community is the Malikah organization’s biggest goal.  

On October 11, Malikah, in collaboration with PERIOD and Frontline Foods Queens, hosted a food and wellness product distribution. Located on Steinway Street in Astoria, Malikah is a non-profit organization that focuses on community safety. To fight against violence and hatred towards genders and ethnicities, they host self-defense classes and educate those about healing justice and financial literacy, according to their website. 

To support their community, around 250 halal food was given out by Malikah for free, all being freshly cooked by Frontline Foods Queens. Guests were given the option to choose between two different meals: chicken or beef with vegetables and rice. This isn’t the only time Malikah hosts a food distribution though — every Friday, they give out these halal foods by their office, and on Sundays, they visit local shelters in Jamaica and Long Island City to donate. Those who are unable to attend aren’t out of luck, though. The DarelDawah mosque at 3513 23rd Avenue in Astoria has a halal community fridge placed by members of Malikah, filled with fresh groceries for anyone in need to take. 

“I am here today in [the] spirit of community,” said Ayman Mir, the marketing and events coordinator for Malikah. “Today is a Friday, which is a holy day in Islam, and we would love to connect with the community. Make sure that everybody’s fed, everybody’s healthy, and that hunger isn’t a reality for everyone—anyone in our neighborhood.”

According to Mir, it is uncommon to see food pantries give out halal options. Knowing that there are many people out there without the financial stability to have a freshly warmed homecooked meal — including those from the Islamic community — Mir and members of Malikah hope to be inclusive with their organization, making those who need help feel safe and welcome while still respecting and following their cultures. 

Across from Malika’s food distribution stand stood PERIOD, the menstrual movement that started in Portland, Oregon in 2014, and now includes chapters all over the nation. As stated by their website, PERIOD distributes millions of menstrual products to those in need, while fighting for equity policies such as repelling the tampon tax and mandating products in public places.

Their table was sprawled with menstrual hygienic products goodie bags filled with pads, tampons, and self-defense kits given out for free. They provided guests with a plethora of information, hoping to inform passersby of the importance of menstruation in reproductive health, erasing the stigma that goes around with discussing and having a period. In addition, they gave out a variety of candies, “PERIOD”-labeled stickers and even hosted a raffle, giving away PERIOD-branded items such as tote bags and t-shirts. 

“We’re out here because tomorrow, October 12, is Period Action Day. It’s an annual day [in which] we try to end period poverty and stigma and raise funds to support women, menstrual health and reproductive rights,” said Laila Abed, Youth Advisory Council Member and founder of the Period chapter in Sacramento, Calif. “So we’re just out here giving out free period care packs [… ] and some flyers and goodies for the community.”

PERIOD’s pleas aren’t unheard, though. In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the “Health Equity and Opportunity Legislation for New Yorkers” act, which rephrased the words “feminine hygiene products” into the more gender-neutral term “menstrual products” and required these products to be provided to students for free in private middle and high school bathrooms. 

Regardless, there’s still more work to be done. According to Abed, these legislations are far from being enforced in schools, leaving many students to be without menstruation products, especially in emergencies. Though New York state abolished the “tampon tax” in 2016, many other states are left with a hefty tax when trying to buy menstrual products. PERIOD works towards removing this tax, hosting a petition for congress to sign the 2024 Stop Taxes Against Menstrual Products (STAMP) act. There are currently 449 signatures, all with the common goal of removing taxes from menstrual products.

Since 2010, Malikah has worked non-stop to help out their community. Their volunteer team has reached out to over 20,000 people and 34 cities all over the world, teaching them about the importance of caring for one another in their communities — fighting against prejudice, sexism, and racism. Each woman taught under the Malikah organization has grown to be independent and stronger, fighting back against those who believe otherwise. 

“I want to see every woman in my community have her own money. She can, you know, live in [a] safe place. Nobody can tell her, you have to leave the apartment because we will raise the rent,” said Mona Elboghdadi, program director of Malikah. “I need the woman to know how to find the work, to work with money, to make her feel safe and independent.”

 

Bright Pink Pumps Fuel Hope for Breast Cancer Patients in Tri-State Area

BQE Admin on October 17, 2024

Courtesy Pink Aid

This October, fifty Shell gas stations in Connecticut, New York, and Long Island are turning their pumps bright pink to support breast cancer patients, donating five cents per gallon of Shell V-Power® sold to Pink Aid. 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

This October, gas stations across Connecticut, New York, and Long Island are showcasing a vibrant twist on an everyday chore. Fifty Shell stations in the tri-state area have transformed their gas pumps into bright pink beacons, symbolizing support for breast cancer patients and fueling a campaign that merges awareness with tangible assistance.

The initiative, part of a partnership between Shell and Pink Aid, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those affected by breast cancer, is as impactful as it is eye-catching. For every gallon of Shell V-Power® NiTRO+ sold at participating stations, five cents will be donated to Pink Aid. Since its inception in 2011, the organization has distributed over $11 million in financial aid to more than 40,000 patients facing financial hardships due to their diagnoses. This year alone, Pink Aid aims to provide over $2.5 million in assistance nationwide.

Ali Mitchell, Board Member, and her husband, Chris Mitchell, who is also Board of Directors, are passionate advocates for breast cancer patients, working tirelessly to provide financial support and raise awareness through impactful initiatives.

“We help them get through that diagnosis by helping with household bills, keeping their families together, food on the table, gas in their cars, paying for car payments that can get them to their treatment back, just basically helping keep their lives together in the now so they can get through their diagnosis with dignity and compassion,” Ali Mitchell said. 

Courtesy Pink Aid

This partnership aims to raise awareness and provide financial assistance to those affected by breast cancer, with Pink Aid having already distributed over $11 million in aid to more than 40,000 patients since 2011.

The campaign began with a conversation between the Mitchell’s and their friend Adam, who owns the participating gas stations. Initially a small idea to promote breast cancer awareness at just a few locations, the initiative quickly grew into a larger effort to include all 50 of Adam’s stations after a successful trial run.

“He came up with this idea he would sell for the month of October, for every gallon of their V-Power, which is their premium gasoline that they sold, they would donate five cents per gallon,” Ali Mitchell said.

The bright pink pumps serve not just as a marketing gimmick, but as a means of bridging the gap between awareness and action. Many patients face what’s known as “financial toxicity,” a term that refers to the financial burdens that arise from cancer treatment. Pink Aid helps alleviate some of these pressures by providing assistance with everyday costs like transportation to treatment, rent, and food.

“We are now a national organization helping breast cancer patients who’ve fallen on financial toxicity all across the country,” Chris Mitchell said. “We’re helping in 47 of the 50 states right now, which is kind of amazing, and it helped 40,000 patients.”

The initiative is particularly timely, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when organizations and individuals are encouraged to promote education and support for those affected by the disease. The striking pink pumps are designed not just to catch the eye but to spark conversations among customers.

“We really do it with the sense of not only educating people about what we’re doing, but with the spirit of giving back to, you know, the community in which we live,” Chris Mitchell said. 

In addition to the pink pumps, Pink Aid will host several events throughout October, including fundraisers and celebrations of life for breast cancer survivors which you can find at pinkaid.org These gatherings aim to uplift patients and their families, creating a sense of community and shared experience. 

For those looking to support this initiative, a list of participating gas stations can be found on the Pink Aid website at pinkaid.org. Customers are encouraged to share their experiences on social media, using the hashtag #PowerUpForPinkAid to raise further awareness and encourage others to join the cause.

As drivers fill up this October, they are reminded that they are not just fueling their cars but also fueling hope and assistance for breast cancer patients in their communities. 

“It’s a great opportunity not only for people that are interested in our mission and whether they want to get involved or be a donor to help breast cancer patients across the country,” Ali Mitchell said. “We’re helping in 47 of the 50 states right now, which is kind of amazing, and the organization has helped 40,000 patients.”

This collaboration highlights the power of community action, reminding us all that small contributions can lead to significant change in the lives of those facing challenges related to breast cancer. As the pink pumps line the streets, they stand as a testament to compassion, support, and the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

 

 

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