NOTE TO EMPLOYEES: Please do NOT use the social media links above to send, post, or otherwise communicate the details of this event externally.

A GREAT DAY

A HUGE IMPACT 

A LASTING CONTRIBUTION

We've reached our fundraising goal!!

Thank you for all of your generous contributions!  

Event Date:

Saturday, October 27th 2012

Site Location and Information:

Abandoned lot in Fairmount Heights 

 211-215 12th Avenue (Corner of South 9th Street)

Newark, NJ

Event Schedule:

7:30am - Transportation from Pershing Square office to site

8:00am - Registration and breakfast

8:30am - Event kickoff and opening ceremony

8:45am - Playground building begins!

11:30am - Lunch

2:30pm - Playground building ends/ribbon cutting ceremony

3:00pm - Transportation back to Manhattan 

Registration: All Pershing personnel (PSCM, PSF & TABLE) are encouraged to invite friends and family members (at least 18 years of age) to volunteer with us. We expect at least 50 children from the Fairmount Heights neighborhood to attend Build Day and are planning several side projects that are appropriate for younger volunteers (i.e., painting murals/benches). Please let Helena know if you plan to bring children under 18.

All attendees must sign a KaBOOM! Volunteer Waiver. Please click the link below to complete the waiver online: http://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8608/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=70989.  

Hard copies are also available on Helena's desk.

Neighborhood Description:

Fairmount Heights is located in the West Ward of Newark, NJ. Its population is mostly African American of varying economic statuses. Major landmarks in Fairmount Heights include Fairmount Cemetery, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and the old Pabst brewery (torn down in the mid-2000s).

Currently, the only central green space in the Fairmount Heights community is the Fairmount Cemetery. During meetings of the newly formed Fairmount Heights Neighborhood Association, community members frequently inquire about a playground in the neighborhood. Keeping children off the street by providing a safe place for them to play and engage in productive activities is of primary import to the residents of Fairmount Heights. In addition, the development of a playground in this community will send a message to its youth that the residents of the community and local organizations care about their safety and happiness.  

Community Partners:

Urban League of Essex County (www.ulec.org)

Greater Newark Housing Partnership (www.gnhp.org)

Established in 2007, the Greater Newark Housing Partnership (GNHP) is a nonprofit organization that works with the City of Newark and other municipal, state and federal entities to create housing and revitalize neighborhoods through community development promoted by a dynamic partnership between the public and the private sectors. Founded in 1917, the Urban League of Essex County (ULEC) is a nonprofit organization with a proven track record for responsible community building and development. Its mission is to assist disadvantaged urban residents in the achievement of social and economic sufficiency. Over the last two years, the ULEC and GHNP have worked with neighborhood residents and others who have a vested interest in the community to identify what the community should be focusing its resources on – a process involving more than 1,000 individuals. One of the top five goals identified was youth recreation, which is sadly lacking in the area. The ULEC and GHNP are both well respected community organizations and we are excited to be partnering with them on this project.

Food: Breakfast, lunch, snacks and water will be provided. Please let Helena know if you have any dietary restrictions.

T-Shirts: All Pershing volunteers will be provided with an event t-shirt.

Transportation: Roundtrip transportation will be provided to/from the site in Newark. Please let Helena know you if you and/or your guests are planning to ride the bus.

Directions to Build Site: More information coming soon!