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)

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)

Gift Wrapping at Barnes and Noble

Throughout the month of December Cheer New York will be gift wrapping at various Barnes and Noble locations to raise money for our Cheer for Life recipient Haven of Hope for Kids.

Haven of Hope for kids is a retreat for terminally ill children and their families in the New York/New Jersey area. For more information please click on the following link: www.havenofhopeforkids.org.

Below is a schedule of what Barnes and Noble locations we will be at on which day.

Barnes & Noble Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser - UES: Barnes & Noble, 240 East 86th St @ 2nd Ave, Manhattan, NYC.

December 1^st (Monday) 6 pm – 11 pm.

December 3^rd (Wednesday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

December 8^th (Monday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

Barnes & Noble Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser – Lincoln Center: Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway @ West 66^th St, Manhattan, NYC.

December 2^nd (Tuesday) 6 pm – 12 midnight.

December 9^th (Tuesday) 6 pm – 12 midnight.

December 16^th (Tuesday) 6 pm – 12 midnight.

December 23^rd (Tuesday) 6 pm – 12 midnight.

Barnes & Noble Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser – Brooklyn: Barnes & Noble, 106 Court St @ Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NYC.

December 17^th (Wednesday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

December 18^th (Thursday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

December 19^th (Friday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

December 20^th (Saturday) 9 am – 2 pm.

December 21^st (Sunday) 2 pm – 6 pm.

December 22^nd (Monday) 5 pm – 11 pm.

December 24^th (Wednesday) 9 am – 6 pm.

Hope to see you there to help raise money for a great cause!!