On the heels of the rather tumultuous election results, many families find themselves worried about what the future holds and whether or not they are embraced by local communities and the nation as a whole. A couple of local Bay Ridge moms (and my dear friends from the FB mommy group I created 3 years ago) decided it was time to step up, and put together a FREE event to celebrate kindness, diversity, inclusivity, and generosity. Seeing how quickly they were able to put it together (in THREE DAYS) was heartwarming - dozens of moms and local businesses jumped at the chance to help out!
Photo cred: Picture a Day by Maia
The first "Love On" event brought together over 60 families on Sunday, November 13 from 3-5PM at Play Days & Parties (space donated by the generous Marotto family!), and included activities for the kids, pot-luck style food brought by attending families and businesses, coffee provided by The Coop, donuts provided by Coffee Rx, and a photo wall where families wrote their own messages of what love means to them. Safety pins were distributed to those wanting to grow the #safetypin movement (wearing a safety pin shows your support and willingness to stand up for the vulnerable), as well.
Photo cred: Picture a Day by Maia
As the indoor play space filled up, event-goers happily spilled out onto the sidewalk where they mingled and noshed. We even spotted owners of beloved coffee shop rivals The Coop and Coffee Rx meeting, shaking hands, and chatting it up, all in the name of supporting the community!
Photo cred: Picture a Day by Maia
Raffle prizes were generously donated by local shops wanting to support this heartfelt community event, including Kaleidoscope Toys, Norma’s Arts & Crafts, Play Days & Parties, Paco’s Tacos Plus, Gourmet Fit, The Coop, Christ Central Brooklyn, Barefoot Books rep Alison DuBois-Eker, Pampered Chef rep Michelle Okabayashi, and Fit Mom Coach Kiera. Photography was generously provided by Picture a Day by Maia.
Photo cred: Picture a Day by Maia
The idea is that the movement will grow, with more free events here in Bay Ridge and beyond! The group hopes to show Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, America, and the World that love will win if we "Love On”, and to show our children that everyone matters, everyone deserves our compassion and support, and together we truly are stronger.
Photo cred: Picture a Day by Maia
Donations were collected at the event and will be distributed to a charity (TBD - possibilities that are being discussed include Bay Ridge Cares, Planned Parenthood, The Brooklyn Arabic Friendship Center, and ACLU.)
I've called Bay Ridge home for over 5 years now and it's a truly remarkable place. Coined a "Small Town in a Big City", it's really an amazing community and its events and people like these that make it so! If you're nearby, get involved, join local FB groups, reach out, feel the love!! If you're in another neighborhood or state or country, why not organize your own "Love On" event. Be sure to share it with me on social at @usjapanfam!!
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