It's Newsletter Time....

Click on the Spring 2009 newsletter on the left to read articles about our newest members, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, GLBT Expo, ING NYC Marathon, Cheer New York's Anniversary Dinner and much more!!

Thank you to Tre, Clay, Raymund, Jennie, Scott and Felipe for their contributions to the Spring 2009 Cheer New York Newsletter.

Cheer for Life: Haven of Hope for Kids

Cheer New York went on a special trip to a woodsy New Jersey town, got lost (what else?) and encountered one post office, one traffic light, and a place with one huge heart.

On Sunday, March 8th, a caravan of cheerleaders from Cheer New York visited the town of Hope, N.J., an hour-and-half drive from New York City, to present a $3,500 check to Haven of Hope for Kids. The charity provides a retreat for kids with debilitating illnesses such as sickle cell anemia and cancer; they get to relax and get away from all the stresses of medical treatment with their families. All for free.

These kids get to fish for trout or bass, have a barbeque in the backyard, visit a farm and see the animals, go swimming or rafting on the Delaware River, ice skate and sled in the winter, and enjoy the rides and water park at the Land Of Make Believe. The organization provides grocery shopping money and covers incidentals for the family on their stay at a lovely and cozy cottage that Cheer New York got to visit. It's an amazing experience, but it's an experience that needs continued financial support.

In the fall and winter of 2008, Cheer New York raised money for Haven of Hope by fundraising at bars on Bingo nights, soliciting donations at Gay Expo and gift wrapping at several Barnes & Noble stores during the holiday shopping season. The team was the town's special guest as it was welcomed with open arms by about 60 or so Haven of Hope volunteers and administrators at a party meant to acknowledge everyone's contribution. The team performed a little cheer and a stunt that wowed Hope's residents, who afterward shared stories of the special kids that have come to stay in town. They were so happy to have the team there that they've invited Cheer New York to come back for a barbecue in late May or June.

Hope may be a small town, but what Cheer New York saw was a special place filled with big hearts. -Raymund

(In picture: Clay, Haven of Hope's Pamela Faris and Carola Walton, Mayor Tim McDonough, Felipe, Nicholas F, Rick, Tiffany M and Raymund)

Happy Birthday Felipe!!

Today is our fearless leader's birthday!

Felipe has been a part of Cheer New York since day one and was strong, brave, and passionate enough to take over the role of director when CNY was at it's lowest. There isn't much else to say but, Look at us now!!

With a team of almost 40 members Felipe Does. It. All. From uniforms to marketing to finding a practice space with at least 20 foot high ceilings in Manhattan (close to impossible!).

It is hard to put our gratitude into words and though we may not always tell you how grateful we truly are...we love you Cheer Papi! Happy Birthday!

(Above: Felipe on left with Scott at the 2009 Brooklyn Pride Festival)

E-X-P-O lets go Expo!!!

Yes you heard it! Cheer New York once again wowed audiences at this years Gay Life Expo. This year the team was in great spirits as they raised money for Haven of Hope for Kids (a country retreat for families caring for children with a life-limiting illness) and presented two expo attendees with individual prizes for their generous support.

The Expo has always been one of Cheer NY's premier events. It is also the squad's chance to recruit new members and show of their skills. Cheer NY performed various times for expo attendees and the look on their faces as stunts were thrown and dances performed was priceless. It is something you never get tired of seeing. During these these hard economic times it's nice to see a group of people putting on a show to raise money for those unfortunate and bringing smiles to those who watched. That's what we do is all about. We can definitely consider ourselves as "Ambassadors of Good Will and Spirit"! -Clay S.

(Above: Vergil, Clay and Felipe work the donation/information table. Right: Lara and Nicholas F. show off their stunting skills)

Cheerleaders+Hole in the Wall=Genius!!

On September 7th the new game show titled "Hole in the Wall" premiered on Fox. Did you watch it? Did you also feel like something was missing? Possibly a cheerleader or two?

As obvious as it may be to some that cheerleaders and a contest testing your ability to contort into strange and unusual shapes go hand in hand, the few Cheer NYers that tried out for the new Fox show didn't make it. Yes, you may booo and hiss now.

Hummmm....maybe there is such a thing as too bendy. :)

CNY Spirit Night at the Beer Garden!