Sailing charity donates $30,000 to New York mural project
Attachments:92-102.jpg (54KB) Sailing charity donates $30,000 to New York Mural Project Celebrity presentation on 12th September at Red Hook's Louis J. Valentino Park September 11, 2009 - New York: Miles4Justice, a Dutch sailing charity sailing 1,000 miles into New York Harbor as part of the NY400 Celebration, will be funding a New York City arts-based youth organization, Groundswell Community Mural Project. The donation will be used to fund a mural painted by local youth from the Red Hook Community Justice Center and is a joint project between Miles4Justice, the City of Amsterdam, Rampart Films and Groundswell. The donation ceremony will take place tomorrow on Saturday, September 12, 2009 in Red Hook, Brooklyn, with Miles4Justice co-founder and lawyer, Carry Knoops, Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen and Rampart Films. A $30,000 check will be presented to Groundswell Executive Director Amy Sanaman by the crew of Miles4Justice and Richard de Klerk, the star of the movie Cole, now premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival. Local community leaders, youth groups and artists will be in attendance. The mural will focus on the shared values and histories of human rights and tolerance between New York City and Amsterdam. Carry Knoops, a leading human rights lawyer commented: "I can think of no better reason to sail 1000 miles in terrible weather than to deliver a check to Groundswell Community Mural Project to realize a project that will highlight our shared heritage of tolerance and human rights. " Richard de Klerk commented: "Groundswell Community Mural Project is inspirational and brings hope to so many people, young and old. It gives me and Rampart Films great pleasure to help them continue their great work." Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen commented: "This mural is a wonderful way to remind us all of the strong bond that connects Amsterdam and New York - the principles of tolerance and multiculturalism are key to both of our cities and I am sure Groundswell will create something that the people of New York can enjoy for many years to come." Amy Sananman, Groundswell's Executive Director adds, "This partnership provides an opportune synergy to communicate the values of tolerance and justice through art." The year-long mural project will begin in the fall with an educational curriculum for the youth artists and community feedback forums. Design workshops will commence during Spring 2010, and the mural will be painted during the Summer. Notes to editors: www.miles4justice.com http://www.groundswellmural.org/ Press are welcome to attend the donation ceremony on 12th September. Contact: Alya Shakir on +44(0)759 00 69 833 or shakir@eastwestpr.co.uk On the ground: Conor McGrady (Groundswell) 347-784 2017 Map of Louis J. Valentino Park and Pier - entrance closest to Van Dyke and Ferris Streets. http://gis.nyc.gov/parks/lc/NYCParkMapIt.do;jsessiC4CC31BA805B3C441315FD3757 1482C6 ______________________________________________________________________ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________