Tuesday, July 06, 2010

L.A. Works Day 2010 - A Great Success!!!


In celebration of the 18th Annual L.A. Works Day, over 750 volunteers revitalized the historic neighborhood of Cypress Park on Saturday, June 12th. The community-building project included beautifying three neighborhood schools, landscaping and removing graffiti from storefronts on the main Figueroa corridor, and painting a community mural on the side of the local coffee shop, Antigua
 
Presenting sponsor Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' Keith Burton emceed the day, with the kick-of program including speakers: Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, First District, and Rafael González, Chief Service Officer, Office of the Mayor and Donna Bojarsky and Bob Johnson, Co-founders and Co-chairs of L.A. Works, and Michelle Scarpella, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Vice President.

After volunteering, participants enjoyed a performance by Gustavo Galindo, a passionate singer/songwriter signed with Surco/Univeral Latino, live community mural painted by Executive Art Director and co-founder of Mictlan Murals, Raul Gonzalez, and a delicious and healthy lunch, compliments of Cinnamon Vegetarian Restaurant/Viana-Tofutown.  Additionally, community and volunteers participated in a resource fair where they learned about nonprofit resources and services available in the neighborhood and greater city of Los Angeles.

"On behalf of Aragon Avenue School, I would like to thank [L.A. Works] for your generous gift of volunteers, supplies, and Dodger tickets! Your commitment to helping students in our community is sincerely appreciated. Each year Aragon Avenue School continues to advance its mission of educating students to their highest potential. Through our programs at Aragon Avenue School we have seen many lives changed for the better," said Katie McGrath, principal Aragon Avenue Elementary School.

L.A. Works Day Statistics:
  • Thousands of children's spirits positively impacted by beautifying their schools
  • 210 gallons of paint used
  • 12 murals painted
  • 1 freeway bridge painted
  • Over half a mile of interior school hallways painted
  • 350 plants planted
  • 2 benches constructed
  • 100 mini murals painted by students/parents