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From left to right are Ariana Blumstein, Sophie Blumstein, and Rebecca Robertson, who together joined in “Celebrating Hudson Heights” event organized by Simone Song Properties, which was marking its 25 year anniversary.
Story and photos by Cassandra Gallese
Community was the theme of the day at Simone Song’s “Celebrating Hudson Heights” event on this past Sun., Dec.11th.
Song, of Simone Song Properties, chose to commemorate her real estate agency’s 25th anniversary at 241 Cabrini Boulevard by turning her annual holiday party at Hudson View Gardens into a full day fundraiser to benefit P.S./I.S. 187, Hudson Heights’ local school.
“Simone wanted to do something for the children and the community,” said Cynthia Chory, principal of P.S./I.S. 187, as her young students scampered about, enjoying the holiday cheer and perhaps a post-cupcake sugar high.
In response, Principal Chory, who has known Song for many years, suggested she partner with Friends of P.S./I.S. 187, a nonprofit organization composed primarily of local parents and dedicated to raising funds for enrichment programs at the school.
Together they organized a festive community event with a jam-packed agenda.
Comprised of a children’s program in the afternoon, with activities such as face painting, juggling, cookie decorating, neighborhood bingo and more; additionally, goody bags provided healthy snacks for the children while the parents were served refreshments.
The evening’s event entertained adults with a “Taste of the Neighborhood” courtesy of local restaurants, wine tastings by Cabrini Wines and Vines on Pine, and a live band and belly dancer. With Song underwriting all costs and local businesses generously donating goods and services, 100% of the event’s proceeds - $9,800 in total – were donated to PS/IS 187; it was later announced that the event’s fundraising goal of $10,000 had been met.
“What better way to acknowledge what the community has become than to recognize the school’s contributions,” asked Song, noting that like all schools, P.S./I.S. 187 has faced budget cuts as a result of difficult economic conditions.
According to Lara Sheikh, president of Friends of P.S./I.S. 187, funds raised during Sunday’s event will be used to support after-school enrichment programs in the arts and sciences.
Principal Chory pointed out that such programs “are often the first to be cut” in uncertain economic times.
But on Sunday, such weighty matters did not dampen the merriment of Rebecca Robertson, a P.S./I.S. 187 student sporting Santa-themed face paint and giggling with her girlfriends at the cookie decorating table.
“It’s a P.S./I.S. 187 party!” she exclaimed as she slathered on another coating of chocolate frosting and topped it off with rainbow sprinkles.
“This really is a community event; it’s a celebration of the whole neighborhood,” said Song, whose real estate agency was one of the first to establish a local presence in Northern Manhattan. She has seen dramatic development in the area over the last 25 years.
“When I first came here, there was one diner and a Chinese takeout restaurant. Now we have all these quality restaurants; the neighborhood has evolved,” she said, reflecting on the local business scene that has thrived over the years.
Many of those same businesses and business people contributed to the success of Sunday’s event, including Tacocina, Frank’s Market, Bleu Evolution, Next Door, Kismat, Café 181, Vicky’s Diner, Gotta Get Cupcakes, Mike Fitelson, Brian Skinner, Jordan Matter Photography, Ahn’s, Introducing USANA, Hudson Pilates, Le Cheile Restaurant, Monarch Cleaners, Odalis Nail Salon, The Flowing Hand, Risa Hirsch Ehrlich, HudsonHeightsGuide.com, and DNA Info.
“We’ve come a long way,” Ms. Song said, “People here still have the same down-to-earth values.”
And the people of Hudson Heights are what inspired Ms. Song to turn her agency’s anniversary party into a neighborhood affair.
As Principal Chory said, “Simone’s heart is in the community.”
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