FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2016
Contact: Lynsey Billet, [email protected], 717-841-5101
Jeff Simmons, [email protected], 917-673-0024
New York City Mission Society’s Annual Fall
Festival to Feature Haunted House, Mask Making, and More
–
Educational activities will reinforce earlier classroom lessons and afterschool programs –
(New York, N.Y.) – The New York City Mission Society will hold its Annual Fall Festival on
Friday, October 28, 2016, with hundreds of program participants at Minisink, its flagship
community center in Harlem, to enjoy holiday-themed activities, including a Mystery Box Room,
Spider Room, Scary Stories Room, haunted mansion, mask-making, arts and crafts, treats and
more.
“Every year we look forward to hosting this celebration that is both fun and educational for the
children and young adults in our programs,” said Elsie McCabe Thompson, President of the
New York City Mission Society. “This event is a great opportunity for our program participants to
enjoy the holiday with us, and learn something along the way. We truly value those who donate
their time and resources to make this event a success each and every year.”
Who:
More than 800 children; Board Members and dozens of volunteers; Elsie
McCabe Thompson, President of the New York City Mission Society;
Assemblyman Keith LT Wright; NYC Councilmember Inez Dickens
What:
New York City Mission Society’s 2016 Annual Fall Festival
Where:
Minisink, 646 Malcolm X Boulevard at 142nd St., Harlem
When:
Friday, October 28, 2016; Event runs from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Media should
arrive between 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Over the past few weeks, children and young adults who participate in the Mission Society’s
Power Academy afterschool programs have received multiple lessons to hone their STEM
(science, technology, engineering and math) skills, as well as further their literary development.
Then, at the event, students will visit several rooms that will reinforce the lessons they’ve
recently learned: a Mystery Box Room, in which students will have to use adjectives to describe
what they feel; a Spider Room, in which students will explore the science behind how a spider
spins a web; a Scary Stories Room in which they will be joined by guest readers, including
Assemblyman Keith LT Wright, and NYC Council Member Inez Dickens to participate in a readaloud; mask-making and more. Children also will receive treat bags.
“One of the best forms of learning is through hands-on experience. We’re reinforcing lessons
recently learned with fun activities and crafts,” Ms. McCabe Thompson said. “We have the
ability to change the lives of the children we serve each day by showing them to the importance
of education and the joy of learning through events like this.”
This year's event sponsors include VitaCoco.
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the Mission Society, or sign up here. (Link:
http://bit.ly/2dHiQfZ)
About New York City Mission Society
The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more
than 200 years. Today, our progressive portfolio of educational, restorative justice, cultural
enrichment, and workforce development programs make a positive, long-term impact on youth
in the City’s most underserved communities by promoting academic achievement, combating
violence, and providing career opportunities. Each year, we serve more than 13,000 children
and families throughout New York City with our programs, supportive services, and community
events. Learn more at www.nycmissionsociety.org.