By Paddy McCarthy
I would like to start my Out&About by saying to all our readers, Happy 4th of July Holiday and to wish you all a great Independence Day! I know everyone will be celebrating with lots of activities like the beach, pool, good food, fun, music and, guess what, fireworks! And I am so sure that it will be fun for all ages.
I will be out on the water on a boat called Celtic Quest on the Long Island Sound with about 20 guests to enjoy the fireworks and to celebrate with a cocktail, or two. Aah, I love it as it is my favorite time of the year outside Christmas.
I missed a great summer party held last week by one of the best networks, The Irish Business Organization of New York (IBO) at the brand-new Rosie O’Grady’s. Rosie O’Grady’s new location is steps away from Rockefeller Center and Times Square on 51st Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. I am told the place is looking beautiful and I must check it out.
It was a night to remember, and of course I would miss it. A lot of friends that I know very well attended and the reason I was not there is I had a previous engagement to attend. I can tell you this that this organization is well worth joining and can be very helpful for new members looking for employment as you will get very good advice and also be able to meet up with other members.
Now the IBO takes some time off during the summer to recharge and regroup. They will resume their in-person, hybrid and virtual events in September so stay tuned for email notifications and invitations! I am told that they will also will be monitoring email’s so please contact them if needed at info@ibonewyork.org.
I just got this request that came to my attention and I have always said that I will include recognize anyone who works for good causes in my Out&About column: The Great New York State Fair is looking to partner with local not-for-profits to help in finding a new home for donated prizes and stuffed animals that will be won at The Fair this summer.
The Fair is now accepting applications for its inaugural Reprize-A-Prize Program, which provides fairgoers with an opportunity to donate prizes and stuffed animals won throughout the grounds and on the midway to not-for-profit organizations who serve families, children, and underserved members of the community.
All not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations who serve special needs populations, low-income groups, and underserved areas are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to demonstrate established criteria and answer all questions within the application, which is available by visiting The Great New York State Fair’s website.
If selected, the not-for-profit group(s) will receive prizes, toys, and stuffed animals donated during The Fair’s 13-day run and will work with Fair staff to coordinate delivery. Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 31 and will be reviewed by a committee.
The following criteria will be considered: Mission statement, by-laws, constitution, or similar documentation that demonstrates how the applicant supports the intended recipients of any Reprize-A-Prize donations. Strength and feasibility of applicant’s plan to select and distribute Reprize-A-Prize donations to families in the intended populations.
Completeness of application with all required documents. The selected not-for-profit organization(s) will receive notification of their selection no later than Wednesday, August 14. All applicants will be contacted formally with a decision. Applicants with questions regarding the Reprize-A-Prize program are encouraged to email receptionist.nysf@agriculture.ny.gov.
“The Great New York State Fair is always looking for ways to engage with the community and we’re excited to unveil the Reprise-A-Prize program as a way to repurpose prizes, toys, and stuffed animals for fairgoers to donate rather than bring home,” said Interim Fair Director, Julie LaFave. “New Yorkers are known for their incredible generosity. It is our hope that the Reprize-A-Prize program will bring happiness and comfort to children, families, and underserved members of our community who may not have access to items that many take for granted like stuffed animals. If you win something during your visit to The Fair and think it’ll do nothing more than sit on a shelf or in a closet, consider the positive impact it could have on someone else and donate it back!”
The Great New York State Fair begins on August 21 and continues through Labor Day, September 2. Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture and provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the State’s CNY Rising strategy, which focuses on growing Central New York’s economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation. The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year.
Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
I totally support this fundraiser it in every way I can and The Fair are so professional in all they do.
I want to pay tribute to an old friend of mine, Bernard Allen, a former Cork TD following his passing last week. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Lord Mayor of Cork were among those to praise him for all his qualities in his life. Bernard also served as a Cork mayor, RIP.
Wishing you all a very happy 4th of July, with lots of fun. I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About once more…