As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones that have truly made a real difference in the lives of so many of our neighbors. Let’s look back on what we’ve accomplished

1. Supporting Food Pantries and Neighbors in Need

This year, we proudly supported four local food pantries and extended our help to many neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Through your generosity, we provided critical resources to those facing tough times, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

2. Celebrating Earth Day at Owls Head Park

Our 2nd annual Earth Day celebration at Owls Head Park was a resounding success! The event brought together community members of all ages to learn about sustainability, participate in cleanup efforts, and celebrate our shared commitment to protecting the environment.

3. Awarding Micro Grants to Community Innovators

We awarded four Micro Grants to individuals and small groups who initiated creative programs benefiting our community. These grants helped launch initiatives that tackled local challenges and enhanced the quality of life for our neighbors.

4. Sponsoring GayRidge at Owls Head Park

In support of our local LGBTQ community, we proudly sponsored GayRidge at Owls Head Park. This vibrant event celebrated diversity, inclusion, and love, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

5. Adding Recurring Donors to Our Monthly Donor Program

This year, we welcomed recurring donors to our monthly giving program, ensuring a steady and sustainable source of support for our initiatives.

6. A Successful Evening of Fundraising with The Rhapsody Players

Thanks to the incredible talents of The Rhapsody Players, we hosted a successful fundraising evening that brought the community together in celebration and support of our mission.

7. Providing Backpacks for Local Students

With your help, we distributed backpacks to over 150 local school children, ensuring they were prepared for a successful start to the school year. Each backpack was filled with essential supplies to support their educational journey.

8. Hosting a Halloween Pancake Breakfast

Our Halloween Pancake Breakfast brought the community together for a morning of fun, food, and festive spirit. This event strengthened bonds among neighbors and created cherished memories for families.

9. Participating in the 5th Avenue BID Trunk or Treat

At the 5th Avenue BID Trunk or Treat, we handed out over 1,500 candies and treats to local children and teens. The event was a fantastic way to engage with families and celebrate the Halloween season.

10. Donating Daffodil Bulbs for Beautification

We donated over 1,000 daffodil bulbs to the Merchants of 3rd Avenue for their beautification project. These flowers will bring vibrant color and joy to our community spaces for years to come.

11. Delivering Thanksgiving Meals

We delivered 800 Thanksgiving meals to homebound individuals and neighbors in need. This initiative ensured that everyone in our community could enjoy a warm, festive meal during the holiday season.

12. Bringing Holiday Cheer at the Owls Head Park Tree Lighting

Our Tree Lighting Ceremony at Owls Head Park was a highlight of the season, bringing holiday cheer to the entire community. The event featured music, treats, and a joyful atmosphere that captured the magic of the holidays.

13. Supporting The Healing Center

We provided toys and gift cards to The Healing Center, a local domestic violence shelter. These gifts brought comfort and joy to families navigating difficult circumstances during the holiday season.

14. Delivering Pajamas Through Our Annual Pajama Drive

Our Annual Pajama Drive collected and delivered pajamas to local hospitals, shelters, and neighbors in need. This simple gesture of warmth and care made a big difference to those who received them.

15. Granting Holiday Wishes to Families in Hardship

Through our Holiday Wishes initiative, we brought holiday cheer to five local families experiencing hardship by providing cash grants. These funds helped brighten their holidays and ease their burdens.

16. Offering Emergency Assistance in Times of Crisis

We provided crucial assistance to families and individuals facing unimaginable disasters and crises. As a local organization, we were able to act swiftly, cutting through red tape to deliver emergency cash assistance and services exactly when they were needed most.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for what we can achieve together. Our plans include much of the above and some new and exciting initiatives, and we can’t wait to embark on this journey with you by our side.

From all of us at Bay Ridge Cares, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and light. Thank you for being an integral part of our story—we couldn’t do this without you.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Karen, Toni, Christine, Johanna, Devon, Jeff, Jay, Kathy, Dianne, Mary, and Yamina