Sylvan Place residents write big checks to these two local charities

Residents of Sylvan Place and charity representatives gathered for the annual check signing ceremony for their most recent block party fundraiser at the Carr household earlier this year.

Led by Alex Carr, the event’s main organizer, neighbors came together to celebrate the culmination of months of fundraising efforts with the official big-check handoff to two charities: the Sunrise Association and the Anchor Program Fund. $3,600 was raised in total.

The fundraiser began as a friendly competition among neighbors but has since evolved into a beloved charity celebration.

“One year while we were outside conversing with neighbors drinking hot chocolate by his wood-burning stove people would stop by to comment on the lights and he offered them some hot chocolate,” Carr said. “This gave me the idea that if we were going to be out here anyway why not offer hot chocolate to warm up the people brave enough to face the elements. While doing this people wanted to pay for the hot chocolate, which we kindly declined but an idea was born that if we were going to be doing it anyway why not do some good and collect and help a charity.”

For decades, Sylvan Place has been aglow with holiday lights throughout December and into early January, drawing hundreds of visitors each day. The decorations transform the neighborhood into a magical wonderland, attracting families from all over.

“After doing this for a couple of years I was at one of the stands when a gentleman came up to us,” Carr said. “This event was his family’s favorite. They loved coming by and walking the block looking at the lights, getting a hot chocolate, seeing Santa and leaving a few dollars for charity. Unfortunately, his family passed away in an accident and he relocated to Pennsylvania. He would make it a point every year to travel to Valley Stream on the night of the event in honor of his family and to remember all the good times they shared.”

Over the years, the fundraiser has become a mainstay village event. From supporting children with cancer through the Sunrise Association to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Anchor Program Fund, the fundraiser embodies the community’s commitment to making a difference, particular for its neighbors with special needs.

“The charities have informed us through the years as the funds have helped either start programs or keep them going especially during COVID,” Carr said. “And since donations were hard to come by, I have personally been lucky enough to attend a few events and when you see the smiling faces of the kids or talk with them and see how they get to enjoy the fruits of our labor, it is all worth it.”

Residents of Sylvan Place show no signs of stopping, looking forward to continuing their tradition of giving back for years to come.