On August 3rd, CCBQ sponsored its 10th Annual Kids Fun Day tailored to families with children in grades K through 8, providing resources for back-to-school, health and safety. Held at the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Astoria, Queens, the block party style event included fun activities for everyone. Children enjoyed a bounce house, Home Depot woodworking, face painting and crafts from the Queens Museum of Art. In addition to live music and a Zumba demonstration, parents and guardians gained access to an array of resources from over 35 organizations. Free blood pressure screenings from The Floating Hospital, dental screenings by Healthplex, Inc. and hands-only CPR by Weill Cornell Medical College were also available.
Co-sponsored by Fidelis Care and Staples Business Advantage, more than 1,000 children at the event received a back-to-school backpack filled with school supplies. “Today’s event literally brought tears to my eyes” said Dataprise, Inc. employee and volunteer Sara. “Watching these kids and their parents light up to receive a backpack, crayons, coloring books, snacks and bags of rice, really makes you think about what’s important in life.”
Additional donors included Clem Snacks/UTZ, Western Beef and East River Kiwanis Club. Special guest appearances included Mr. MET, official mascot of the New York Mets; Johnny Thunderbird, official mascot of St. John’s University; and Sparky the Dragon, official mascot of the New York Islanders.
