NYPD and former New York Knicks
team up to fi ght against food insecurity
BY DEAN MOSES
The NYPD and former
New York Knicks players
teamed up to rebound
against hunger this Thanksgiving.
Businessman John Catsimatidis
and his wife, Margo Catsimatidis,
organized a Thanksgiving food
giveaway on Nov. 17 outside St.
John’s Baptist Church on 213
West 30th Street. Here men and
women in blue joined retired basketball
players John Wallce and
Tom Hoover to hand out turkeys
Wednesday.
“We can’t save the entire
world, but if we can help a little
bit. Every little bit helps. Every
little bit counts,” said John Catsimatidis
before the giveaway, “All
of us are getting together to feed
a few extra people.”
Starting off with a prayer,
St. John the Baptist Pastor Fr.
Francis Gasparik thanked all of
those in attendance and for the
abundance of gifts they were able
to share with those in need that
An officer helps pack a turkey.
morning. Despite the brisk air, an
extensive line of primarily senior
New Yorkers gathered with empty
carts in tow, ready to receive the
bounty. Led by NYPD Inspector
Carlos Ortiz, the Knicks legends
fi lled the empty carriages. Those
collecting the free holiday meals
were overcome with gratitude.
“What better example than the
NYPD, Mr. and Mrs. Catsimatidis,
we have notable radio fi gures,
PHOTO BY DEAN MOSES
sports celebrities all coming
together with the community.
We are getting back to normal!
Getting back to recognizing that
there are certainly people out
here in need of our help,” Deputy
Inspector Robert O’Hare said.
The turkeys were donated by
supermarket chains Gristedes
and D’Agostino’s. Throughout the
holiday season, St. John’s will be
providing food for over 100,000
local residents.
“It’s all about sharing and
caring about our neighbors. We
thank God for the opportunity
to do this,” Pastor Gasparik said,
kicking off the event.
Former New York Knicks
players, Wallace and Hoover also
expressed their gratitude.
“It’s an incredible opportunity
to be here with everyone. Helping
people during this time is everything,”
Wallace said, sharing that
he will also be joining the New
York Knicks next week to host
another giveaway. “It’s a tremendous
blessing during these times
to be able to give back. That’s
what it is all about, putting smiles
on people’s faces.”
“Giving back to the community
is just what we do,” Hoover
added.
Experience iceless curling and cozy igloos at
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
BY VILDANA KHAMIDULLINA
Tickets for the Curling Cafe and Cozy Igloos by Prime
Video are on sale at the Bank of America Winter
Village at Bryant Park.
For the fi rst time, the Curling Cafe presents a new experience
of iceless curling. For 90 minutes two teams of 4
can experience “street” or iceless curing. And in between
the games, players can get into a heated dome where they
can enjoy seasonal warming drinks and food.
Also now everyone can enjoy their time in Cozy Igloos
by Prime Video. Seasonally decorated and heated igloos
will allow intimate setting families and friends to enjoy
food and drinks, including mulled wine and hot chocolate,
with an incredible view on the ice skating sink.
Cozy Igloos will be open Monday through Friday from
noon until 9 p.m. and from 11:30 am until 11 p.m. on
weekends. Curling Cafe will be open from Wednesday
through Friday 3:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Saturdays from
11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until
7 p.m.
Packages are also available for 1-4 or 5-8 people. All
reservations must be reserved online. More information on
reservations and packages visit wintervillage.org. PHOTO BY ANGELITO JUSAY FOR BANK OF AMERICA WINTER VILLAGE AT BRYANT PARK
16 November 25, 2021 Schneps Media
/wintervillage.org
