2^nd Annual NYC Volunteer Expo Focuses on Youth Volunteerism

National Volunteer Week had an additional event this year to help attract volunteers to over 80 nonprofit organizations throughout New York City.  The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Community Benefit Fund, with Presenting Sponsors ELLEgirl Magazine and Z100 partnered to present the 2^nd Annual NYC Volunteer Expo: Dare To Be Involved held at Manhattan’s historic Gotham Hall on Broadway and 36^th St.

This year’s event, focused on youth volunteerism, was kicked off by an Awards reception on the night of April 27^th and also served to celebrate MCC’s 85 years of community service.  Mr. G, WB11’s well known weather personality, received a community service award from MCC as well as Gary Anthony Ramsey from NY1 News.  Both men have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting community activities, education and social service programs.

During the two day event on April 28^th & 29^th, seminars were held for nonprofit agencies to help educate them on attraction, management and retention of volunteers.  Given by Gajtana Simonovski and Tami DiCostanzo, Project Directors at the Community Service Society Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, these seminars attracted over 60 organizations.

On Friday the 28^th, a special event, Dare To Be You, was coordinated by top fashion designer Norma Kamali and students from Washington Irving High School.  The students created their own music cd and modeled Norma Kamali’s clothing line, strutting down the runway as if they were on “America’s Next Top Model!”  The crowded Gotham Hall cheered and applauded their favorites!

Students and adults alike visited the 80 nonprofit booths which ringed the oval venue during the Expo, talking with representatives, taking literature and even signing up to volunteer on the spot.  Representatives from organizations supporting afterschool programs, homeless outreach, eldercare, education, arts and pet adoption agencies recruited new volunteers.  “Many youth and adults came by our booth expressing a strong interest in being volunteers in our summer therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities. Judging from the high level of activity at our booth and at the other booths in Gotham Hall, the NYC Volunteer Expo was a great success and The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Brenda Rezak and the other staff members and Expo volunteers are to be highly commended for running such a fine event,” stated Richard Brodie, President of the NY Therapeutic Riding Center.

WB11, amNewYork, Wachovia, Goldman Sachs, Standard & Poor's, Mizuho Trust & Banking Co (USA), Con Edison, Citibank, State Bank of India and the NYC Council Speaker's Office all joined in co-sponsoring the event, spearheaded by an active, involved Steering Committee.  Many thanks to Brenda Rezak, The Beatrice Group, who coordinated the efforts on behalf of MCC and to the committee members.