SATF Update: Stoop Success and more

Stoop Party 1The Social Action Task Force (SATF) had a lot going on Saturday, April 16.

The day kicked off in the late morning with the second Party With a Purpose, which was an even bigger success than the first! The event collected over $700 in donations that were distributed to the two non-profits organizations that co-sponsored the event, Whitelock Community Farm and SPACEmakers.

Bloody Marys, beers, mimosas and music got the crowd of 50+ neighbors into a weekend mood. Then, the attention shifted to the guest speakers, Justin Kuk, President of Whitelock Community Farm, SPACEmakers’ Lezlie Silverstein, and neighbor Patricia Rice of Hope Forward.

If you want to buy local, think Whitelock Community Farm—it’s a hop and a skip away in Reservoir Hill, at the corner of Brookfield and Whitelock. Justin informed the gathering about the farm’s CSA program, their farm stand, open every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm from May 7 to Nov. 19, and their need for volunteers and tools. Read a related post on Whitelock Farm here.

Lezlie explained the details behind the very cool SPACEmakers graffiti art program at Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts in Harlem Park, where they are transforming a courtyard at the school into a work of art. Read more about their work and see photos here. Party goers donated some face masks and cans of spray paint to the project, but more are needed. Please consider donating.

Patricia Rice speaking about Hope Foward
Patricia Rice speaking about Hope Forward

Since the party was being held on Patricia’s stoop, she happened to be on hand and spontaneously spoke to the group about Hope Forward, where she serves as a mentor. The organization assists foster care youths in their transitions from being wards of the system to active leaders in the community. Read more about their work here.

At the party, more children’s books were collected for Reading Partners, one of the organizations that participated in the first Party with a Purpose. Keep those books coming by depositing new or slightly used books in the boxes provided at the vestibules of 1529 and 1309 Bolton Street.

The Stoop Party culminated with the mass migration of attendees, who walked over to the main event, the Boundary Block Party in the Upton Triangle at the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Presstman St.

Sponsored by the No Boundaries Coalition, it was just the kind of low-key, dance-to-the-music fun everyone enjoys on a warm sunny April Saturday. See photos in this related Bulletin post.

Lastly, the SAFT created a Facebook page for the group. Check it out and follow us. This is our neighborhood space for dialog and information on the social justice issues that deeply affect our neighborhood. Everyone is encouraged to join in this effort.

The next Party with a Purpose is at BoltonStock 2016, June 25 in Sumpter Park from 5 to 9 pm. Please join the fun.

Together we can make a difference.

The next meeting of the SATF will be Sunday, May 8, 5 PM, at 1803 Bolton St. Please email the Task Force at boltonhillsocialjusticeleague@gmail.com with your comments or interest.