Nov. 17, 2010 By Christian Murray
The Sunnyside-Woodside Boys & Girls club is holding a fundraiser this Saturday at St. Raphael’s school gym from 7 pm to 11 pm.
The club, sparked by local resident Mark Wilensky 12 months ago, aims to raise funds so the group is able to one day own its own club house and offer a roster of activities.
In the short term, the club is looking to offer after-school activities in 2011 from January through May for 8-to 14-year-olds, said Brent O’Leary, who is a director. He said the goal is to offer children a night of sports and games on Monday nights from 5 pm until 9pm; and on Wednesday nights, leadership activities, where neighborhood children would become involved in community activities. These activities would be held at St. Teresa’s (50-20 45th Street).
To meet this end – and to take a step toward its ultimate aim of getting its own facility – the group is holding a “Dancing with the Stars” event on Saturday. The group has recruited ten local community leaders and has paired them up with dance teachers. At the end of the evening, the audience will judge who is best.
The event, which includes a buffet dinner, beer, wine & soft drinks (food catered by Dazies) is $45 per person or $80 per couple.
The club is also offering raffle tickets for $100 – where the winner receives a top prize of $10,000.
The group has already raised about $18,000 since its inception. It has received a $5,000 grant from Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s office; $500 from the local Lion’s club; $5,000 from Liz Owens, who held a fundraiser in memory of her brother’s death; and proceeds from other events.
For tickets to the Saturday’s event, call Vincent Renda (chairman): 347-870-8742
St Raphael’s is at 48-25 37th Street, LIC, and tickets can be bought at the door.
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