By Kelsey Durham
The Center for the Women of New York is gearing up to host its sixth annual Walk-a-Thon at Fort Totten this weekend.
On Saturday, the organization will raise money that will go toward renovations at a historical building in Fort Totten, where the CWNY will soon be relocating its offices.
Currently based out of a building on Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens, the center will be expanding to a landmark, at 207 Totten Ave., once construction is complete.
This year’s money will go toward finishing that renovation along with funding programs such as domestic violence prevention and a push for equal pay for women.
“We feel this is a very nice thing for the community because it’s the one event that can appeal to everyone of all ages and sexes,” said Ann Jawin, chairwoman and founder of the CWNY.
Jawin said the renovations on the Fort Totten building where the organization is looking to move were started last summer with a cleanup of the space, and the center is now taking bids for asbestos removal among other things to try and move the process along. She said the organization hopes to have a clearer picture by the end of the year of when it will be moved into its new home.
When work is finished and the CWNY moves to Fort Totten, the new space is expected to be used as a conference center focusing on women’s history and career education, but Jawin said the center hopes to keep its space in Kew Gardens, as well.
“We always want to have a presence here because transportation in Queens is so bad,” she said. “Some people might not be able to get to just one of the centers.”
Last year, the walk-a-thon hosted about 150 participants, Jawin said, and the center hopes to have more at this year’s event. She said they amped up their marketing and promotional efforts and have been giving more publicity to this year’s fund-raiser than ever before, and she expects it to contribute to even more success.
“The main thing is that people know we’re walking to help women,” Jawin said. “To improve their conditions.”
The walk will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Fort Totten Park. Individual registration starts at $15, and those who make a donation of $20 will receive a free T-shirt as a gift.
Reach reporter Kelsey Durham at 718-260-4573 or by e-mail at kdurham@cnglocal.com.
