The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council (GRYC) is getting a new home, and in conjunction with that new home, they will hold their capital fund-raising kickoff extravaganza at Shiro of Japan at The Shops at Atlas Park on Tuesday, May 19.
With the rent at their current space expected to double, The GRYC – the largest independent youth servicing agency within Community Board 5 – plans to purchase and renovate Garity Post and move their operation that serves 6,000 children and families annually into the new facility.
Through the help of local legislators, the GRYC is nearing its goal of raising $1.1 million to purchase the facility, but it hopes to raise an additional $2.2 million to renovate the space.
“The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council is faced with an extraordinarily difficult task of raising money to build a state-of-the-art community center in the Community Board 5 area to serve the Greater Ridgewood/Glendale Community,” said GRYC President Robert Monahan.
The GRYC is a not-for-profit agency that provides important mutli-services for the community. Its programs are focused on education, recreation, counseling, truancy prevention, job readiness and employment opportunities, as well as a host of other services.
One of the ways the organization hopes to raise money is through the fundraiser on May 19. Tickets are $30 and are limited on a first come first serve basis for 200 persons.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a community center that will be the home of programs and services for generations to come,” said GRYC Finance Chair Mike Miller. “We know with these tough economic times our task will be difficult but our community has always been generous and kind. Any donation will be accepted and appreciated. Investing in our youth is a wise investment in our future.”
Tax deductible donations can be sent to The GRYC Capital Campaign at 62-04 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, New York 11385.
