After making most of their income throughout the year during the Christmas season, several Vincentian businesses in New York say it was befitting to give back to the community by hosting an extraordinary treat for children.
Hundreds of Vincentian children and their parents participated in the special Christmas Party Sunday afternoon/evening at Café Omar in Brooklyn.
“This is the biggest event I’ve ever had,” Gideon “Fessy” Yorke, owner of Standard Shippers on Clarendon Road in Brooklyn, adjacent to Café Owner, who hosted the event in conjunction with Solid Band, Minors Catering and Friends, in a Caribbean Life interview.
“This is very good,” added Yorke, who has been hosting the party for the past eight years. “We appreciate all the people who donated their time and toys. We look forward to bigger and better things next year.”
Yorke said the kids, including toddlers, were treated to free gifts, entertainment and food.
Many kids also participated in karaoke, arts and craft, face-painting, and sat on Santa’s lap.
One of the “friends,” Ruby Wood, owner of Square Deal Shippers and Movers on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, said she contributed to the event for the second successive year.
“It’s good that he’s (Yorke) giving back to the community,” she told Caribbean Life. “Thanks to everyone who supported us (Square Deal Shippers and Movers) over the years.”
Steve Minors, owner of Minors Catering, said he was delighted to prepare “all the food” free of charge.
“I feel wonderful just to see how the kids are happy,” he said. “And I think we need more of this — bringing people together.”
Newly appointed Deputy New York Counsel General Sehon Marshall also attended the party.
“It’s, indeed, a pleasure to be here and to bring greetings, and also to thank the children,” he told the audience in a very brief message. “Let me commend each and everyone of you, and wish you happy holidays.”
Atiba Williams, who coordinated the party and served as master of ceremonies, described the event as “an overwhelming success,” adding that “the response from everyone was tremendous.”
He also complimented former New York City Councilman, Dr. Kendall Stewart, proprietor of Café Omar, for “the use of the venue free.”
