Dancing Back to School in the Bronx
The LWS Homecare Team with event organizer, Bharati Kemraj.
LWS Homecare and the Dennelisse LHCSA were out on a beautiful summer evening in the Bronx to participate in Books, Bollywood and Bomba, an exciting cultural and charitable event for the community at Virginia Park at White Plains Road and Westchester Avenue in the Bronx. The event on Friday, September 8th, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm was put on to help the children in the neighborhood get prepared to return to school and have some fun on a Friday night. Children received backpacks, marble notebooks, pencils with extra erasers and other school supplies to help them learn throughout the year from LWS Homecare, the Dennelisse LHCSA, WellCare and HealthFirst.
Children write encouraging messages for the hurricane victims in Florida and Texas.
“There are many people who need a little help and by having a fun filled evening we are making families comfortable enough to come out, communicate with each other and get some supplies for their kids,” said Bharati S. Kemraj, Founder, Bharati Dance Academy and Foundation. The event was presented by Loving the Bronx in collaboration with Bharati Dance Academy, the Bharati Foundation and Bomba Yo.
Messages from Bronx children to kids in Florida and Texas affected by the hurricanes.
The event wasn’t all about back to school though. There were games like giant connect four, lemonade and snacks provided for the kids by Morris Perk, a local coffee shop. The live musical entertainment and dancing for the evening was provided by Bomba Yo. Bomba is one of the traditional musical styles of Puerto Rico. It is the mixture of the three different cultures of the Island, the African, Spanish and Taino cultures. Jose L. Ortiz of Bomba Yo and his drummers got everyone dancing (even the LWS Homecare and Dennelisse LHCSA staff) to the moving, energetic music.
A moment of silence for the victims of hurricanes affecting the southern US.
Books, Bollywood and Bomba began with a minute of silent prayer and contemplation for the children affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma that were unable to return to school. Members of the community and the children attending held candles and stood together in solidarity. Posters were signed with messages of love and support to be sent to the children affected by the devastating natural disasters. LWS Homecare and the Dennelisse LHCSA added messages to the board as well stating that, “In times of tragedy and disaster, we are reminded that we are more similar than different and we can all be vulnerable. In times like these we come together as a city and as a country, whatever our background or location, to support each other and lift each other up as one. LWS Homecare and the Dennelisse LHCSA in New York City stand with those affected in Houston, Miami and throughout the country.“
Kids collect supplies for another busy school year in the Bronx.
LWS Homecare and the Dennelisse LHCSA would like to thank Bharati S. Kemraj and the other event organizers and sponsors for the opportunity to give back to the children in our community and to join them in celebrating the diverse cultures that come together in our city.
Parents and children enjoy a lively game of giant Connect Four.
Jose L. Ortiz of Bomba Yo and his drummers lay down the beat for the dancing crowd.
Bharati Kemraj demonstrates Bollywood dancing for the event’s attendees.
Children gather to receive much needed school supplies for their second week of classes.
Everyone gets a backpack from WellCare!
LWS team member, Donovan Malloy, talks to a local parent about the homecare services available to those in need in the community.
The event organizers and participating organizations and local businesses band together for a group photo crossing their arms in a proud X for the Bronx.
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