Tree lighting project for the future?

lucille

Hello all.
The week before Halloween, I attended a fabulous Halloween party at the Akwaaba Mansion in Bed Stuy. This was its third year and it was a great success. The party is put on by the shopowner's association of Lewis Avenue and all the proceeds go to the tree lighting ceremony at Fulton Park in December. Basically, they raise money to put a tree in the park and then hand out gifts to all of the children that attend. Last year they gave away something like 400 gifts.
Does anyone on this board think this would be a great idea for Brower Park? Brower is a much more idyllic setting for a tree, and the idea of people coming together there to celebrate the solstice and exchange cheer, even if we couldn't give away gifts, is inspiring, is it not?
I realize it's way too late in the game this year to pull off such a thing, but it might be something to think about organizing for next year. Perhaps local businesses would be interested and maybe we could have our very own Halloween party fundraiser. I'm telling you, it was one great party. The food was excellent and all donated by local restaurants. The costumes were smart and funny and there were no shortage of people staying in character for the duration of the evening. Everyone danced and the music was great.
I'm thinking that because this is such a religiously (and in every other way) diverse neighborhood, it might be good to light something that's either specifically non-religious, or several things that represent different faiths. We could light a tree, a buddha with candles in his palms (?), a minorrah, a miniature mosque, incense, Shiva's hands? Just throwing out ideas here... Maybe non-religious is the way to go...
Just a thought. I can't help but think, as the shortest day of the year approaches, about ways to bring people together and celebrate our community.

lilbangladesh

I'm Jewish, but I wouldn't mind joining a caroling group because that's fun. We can even throw in a few Hanukah songs. Though we'd have to do it soon because Hanukkah starts on the 4th. Next year, however, Christmas and Hanukah coincide.

The great thing about a caroling group is that it wouldn't take too much organization.

capt. planet

This sounds like a great idea for the Crown Heights North Assn. to adopt. We could host the party at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, which is, of course, set to re-open next year and is right in Brower Park. It's going to be a fab place to party. I can hardly wait for it to re-open. It looks so cool from the outside.
Whadda think? I even have a friend on the Board of the Museum, and believe me, he LOVES to party.

lilbangladesh

COOL!!!

littleredmenace

This sounds like a great idea and I'd love to be involved. Count me in!