You can draw in chalk on the sidewalk this week to help local homeless and low-income mothers and their children.
This Thursday, July 29 (rain date Friday, July 30), the York Street Project will hold its 12th Annual ChalkFest fundraiser at Exchange Place in Jersey City from 12 to 2 p.m.
ChalkFest is a sidewalk art festival that allows approximately 60 children, with the help of local artists and volunteers from area businesses, let their imaginations run wild by drawing on spaces sponsored by local individuals and groups.
The festival is one of the annual events sponsored by the York Street Project, the Downtown Jersey City organization that benefits four programs providing shelter, food, education, child development care, counseling, and job-and-life-skills training to more than 300 homeless and low-income women and children in Jersey City.
“We are using art to bring awareness that we serve underprivileged women and children.” – Bonnie Davis
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Bonnie Davis, assistant director of development for the York Street Project, said 2009’s ChalkFest brought in $35,000 and could bring in more this year, because they have more sponsors this year, and more are being sought.
“I think the awareness factor of what we do in the community is important,” Davis said. “We are using art to bring awareness that we serve underprivileged women and children.”
Davis estimates that 400-450 people came to last year’s ChalkFest.
Chalking it up to a good cause
The York Street Project runs two shelters, a high school, and a kids’ development center:
• Kenmare High School is an accredited alternative high school that offers education as well as practical training in job and life skills.
• St. Joseph’s Home is a safe and structured living environment for single mothers and their children that guides and supports them as they transition to new lives.
• The Nurturing Place is a licensed child development center for children from 4 months to 6 years of age.
• St. Mary’s Residence provides affordable housing and support for working women with limited incomes.
Despite its noble work, Davis says the project continues to operate somewhat obscurely and has to find ways to make the public aware of its purpose and the kind of services it provides.
Davis said that’s why ChalkFest can be looked upon not as just a fund-raiser but also as a “friend-raiser.”
“Most events that happen in Exchange Place are usually on weekends, and people working in the area are not able to see those events,” Davis said. “Doing this on a weekday, people are then aware, and think, ‘I can help them, and I can do something for the women.’”
The event brings out many local corporate sponsors. Some are repeat supporters, such as Pershing and Metro Honda. New ones this year include the Federal Farm Credit Bank Funding Corp. Other sponsors include City Councilman Bill Gaughan and Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish.
But that doesn’t mean the need for sponsors has stopped. The York Street Project is still looking for more, as well as for volunteers to help out with drawing and other aspects of the event.
People who want to help can call Bonnie Davis (201) 451-8225. They must respond by Tuesday.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.