There was news last week that the Red Hook Initiative was losing their office space. Well, they’ve sent out an email about trying to secure some new space:
Many of you have heard about our space dilemma—the PAL was no longer able to provide space for RHI. Currently we are occupying a one room studio in Red Hook and running our programs throughout the community at schools, churches, and other organizations. While this scenario allows us to keep our central programs running, young people from the neighborhood have lost a place to go on a daily basis and part of the “spirit” of RHI is definitely missing.
Many of you have generously asked “What can I do to help?” Now is your chance. The first week in December we will hold two organizing meetings to start “The $5K Club.” We are looking for a team of people who want to dig in and help us ensure that the new RHI (a 3,000 square foot warehouse in the heart of the Red Hook Houses which we’ve planned to convert into a community center) comes to fruition. You don’t need to have any fundraising experience, just a willingness to tell our story and ask for money.
Monthly meetings and weekly emails will offer advice and action steps. By our grand opening, you will know that at least $5K of our project came from your hard work. We can promise that the Club will be fun, rewarding, and possibly life changing. If you think you’re interested, grab a friend and head to one of our two kick-off meetings:
Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at 6:30pm; 201 Richards Street, Suite 108 (Red Hook)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 6:30pm; 41 Eastern Parkway, Apt. 9D (Prospect Heights)
There is no obligation or penalty if you don’t make it all the way to $5K, but it’s a solid goal to aim for that will truly make a difference in the building project. Creating a new home during these economically challenging times will be difficult, but it is with great hope and deep conviction that we begin this campaign. We know that our new center will bring immeasurable benefits to our
participants and to Red Hook as a whole. And we know that the more people who work together, the easier the task will be. We look forward to launching The $5K Club with you the first week in December. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call Jill Eisenhard (718-858-6782 or 917-488-1883) or Lisa Cowan (718-484-7073). Please RSVP for the 2nd or 3rd to Lisa: lisa.cowan@gamil.com
Please help out if you can, although it certainly sounds to us like a great way for Ikea to make a difference in the commmunity.
