Dear Editor:
Thank you from Project Play. I am the co-founder of an initiative called Project Play within the Hoboken Family Alliance – a 10-year-old non-profit, family-focused organization. Project Play’s mission is to replace the aging and dangerous playground equipment at the various parks around Hoboken, beginning with Church Square Park. We launched the initiative in October 2009 and have raised almost $35,000 to date. We have had an incredible outpouring of support from local business, individuals, non-profit, and civic organizations. On Tuesday, Sept. 14, we held a fundraising breakfast at the Elysian Cafe. An amazing array of prominent business leaders, elected officials, and community members attended to hear our presentation and donate money to replace the nearly 20-year-old play equipment in Church Square Park.
I want to thank former Mayor David Roberts for his hard work and dedication to the project. Six months ago, Mayor Roberts didn’t know my name. I literally looked his phone number up in the phone book, called him, and introduced the project. Dave helped us to bring the awareness of this project to the next level by making countless phone calls. His love for, and devotion to, this city is remarkable. We also thank the City and Mayor Dawn Zimmer for their collaboration. Jennifer Maier, Director of Environmental Services, has held public meetings and tirelessly supported the process. Project Play thanks Freeholder Captain Anthony Romano, Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, and Councilman Nino Giacchi for their encouragement and support from the inception of the idea to their support of this fundraising event.
We have several events planned over the next two months. For community members who want to have a good time and support Project Play, there are a number of ways to participate.
• Zylo restaurant at the W Hotel has organized a prix fixe lunch event on Sept. 29
• Hoboken Volunteers has organized an Oktoberfest on Oct. 16 at the Elks Club
• The Hoboken Elysianettes Running Society has organized The HoBOOken Halloween 5K and the Scary Scurry Kids Run on Oct. 30
To find out more details and how to participate go to www.hobokenfamily.com/ProjectPlay. Finally, we want to thank David Liebler, Founder of EatDrinkHoboken.com (EHD), for his creative approach to donating to Project Play. EHD is organizing restaurant week in the last week of October. In order to promote the event, they have created discount “VIP” cards that will entitle the holder of the card to discounts at participating restaurants and businesses. Cards will be sold by participating local restaurants and businesses, for $5 each. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the sales of the cards go to Project Play. Ten thousand cards have been produced. The goal is to raise $50,000!
Project Play is honored by the outpouring of support and financial contributions from dozens of businesses and residents. It is a true testament to the amazing community that we live in. Thank you to everyone who has donated his or her time, services, and money to this important community initiative.
Zabrina Stoffel