DAYLIGHT: HELP USA and Oneida Indian Nation Host “Our Heritage of HELPing” Meal Service Event November 23rd, 2010
The “Our Heritage of HELPing” Meal Service Event at HELP USA’s Genesis RFK Apartments hosted by HELP USA Chair Maria Cuomo Cole and Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter will feed hundreds of New York City’s homeless men, women and children.
· In the spirit of unity and giving, HELP USA, one of the nation’s leading homeless advocacy organizations, and the Oneida Indian Nation, the first ally of the United States, have joined forces and pledge to support all who live in America who are fearful of job and home loss, and empower them with resources to reclaim their lives. Both resolve that no person should go hungry or without a home.
· The challenges of homelessness and hunger that people face today bring a sense of urgency to HELP USA’s mission and the symbolic significance surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday. The Oneida Indian Nation approached HELP USA with this joint effort to feed hundreds of homeless New Yorkers for the holidays, as well as support the American Indian Empowerment Fund, reinvigorating the culture and legacy of native people helping others. Integral to this agreement is a commitment by both parties to rediscover the origin and spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, which dates back to native people providing this country’s first newcomers with food and shelter. This joint initiative will also serve as a reminder to all people of the spirit of service, generosity and compassion in the face of adversity all year long.
· The initiative has received tremendous support from celebrities, television personalities and renowned chefs including Daniella Alonso (Actress), Contessa Brewer (MSNBC), Amy Carlson (Blue Bloods), Mario Cantone (Comedian, Actor, Writer), Margaret Colin (Gossip Girl, Off-Broadway’s Love, Loss), Ray Ellin, Jill Flint (Royal Pains), Lauren Glassberg (WABC-TV), Cheyenne Jackson (Actor) , Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), Michael B. Jordan (Parenthood, Friday Night Lights), Matt Lanter (90210), Evan Lysacek (Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater), Gilles Marini (Brothers & Sisters), Greg Mathis (TV Judge), Joey Pantoliano (Actor), Chris Riggi (Gossip Girl), Deborah Roberts (ABC News), Kristen Shaughnessy (NY1), Crystal Shawanda (Performing Artist), Justin Tuck (New York Giant), Brittany Underwood (One Life to Live), Ally Walker (Sons of Anarchy), Cheryl Wills (NY1), among many others. Many of these individuals have participated in a national PSA campaign.
· The Thanksgiving menu is being prepared by renowned chefs in partnership with HELP USA’s Culinary Job Training Program students. Participating chefs include: Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez (PRINT. Restaurant), Cesare Casella (The Italian Culinary Academy, Salumeria Rosi), Amanda Freitag (Food Network), Michael Lomonaco (Porter House New York), Dave Martin (Bravo TV “Top Chef” Season One), Missy Robbins (MARC’S A Voce Restaurants), Aarón Sanchez (Food Network), and Bradford Thompson (Bellyfull Consulting/Miss Lily’s Restaurant). Today’s menu includes:
o Mortadella and il Cotto - Cesare Casella, The Italian Culinary Academy and Salumeria Rosi
o Butternut Squash Soup - Missy Robbins, MARC’S A Voce Restaurants
o Heritage Farms Turkey - HELP USA Culinary Job Training Program Students
o Niman Ranch Ham - HELP USA Culinary Job Training Program Students
o Oneida Indian Nation Three Sisters Corn Casserole - HELP USA Culinary Job Training Program Students
o Caramelized Orange and Spiced Sweet Potatoes - Bradford Thompson, Bellyfull Consulting and Miss Lily’s Restaurant
o Killer Cornbread Stuffing - Dave Martin, Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” Season One
o New England Cranberry Sauce with Mandarin Oranges- Michael Lomonaco, Porter House New York
o Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting- Heather Carlucci-Rodriguez, PRINT. Restaurant
o Chunky Chocolate Chip Cookies - Michael Lomonaco, Porter House New York
· Meal servings at HELP USA residences in Suffolk, Westchester, Philadelphia, Newark and Las Vegas, are taking place simultaneously.
· HELP USA is committed to training clients for employment and placing them in liveable-wage jobs. HELP USA’s 10-week Culinary Arts Job Training Program teaches basic culinary techniques for a successful career in the culinary arts. Over 1,000 individuals have graduated from the program.
· HELP USA's Genesis Apartments opened in 1993 as a permanent supportive service residence for NYC homeless and low income families. The building includes on-site day care, after school programs and employments and health services.
· Crystal Shawanda, who made a name for herself on country radio with hits like “You Can Let Go,” “My Roots Are Showing” and others, will be representing her Native American heritage when she debuts “Our Country” on the Oneida Indian Nation’s “True Spirit of Thanksgiving” float in the 84th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday, November 25, 2010. A sneak preview of “Our Country” will performed at this event. The single will be available for sale after Thanksgiving with a portion of the proceeds benefitting both HELP USA and the American Indian Empowerment Fund.
· The Oneida Indian Nation plans to sell several of HELP USA’s Comfort Food products to raise additional funds and awareness for both HELP USA and the American Indian Empowerment Fund. The line will be sold at Oneida Indian Nation convenience stores, Turning Stone Resort, at exclusive retail partners and online.
· In conjunction with Snoopy’s 60th Anniversary and the icon’s annual appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Iconix Brand Group, Inc. will be gifting children in attendance with a copy of the pop up book “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
· Rodney Dorival of Big Paws, Little Claws will be hosting a mini-job fair for his pet services firm. He will be awarding two-month paid internships to HELP USA clients
· The Ensemble of Praize Choir will be performing throughout the evening
· Additional support has come through event sponsors: Continental Airlines, Heritage Foods, Icelandic Glacial Water, Niman Ranch, and Red Jacket Orchards.
About Oneida Indian Nation:
The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ nearly 5,000 people, include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the SāvOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores, several retail outlets, and Four Directions Media, which includes a national weekly newspaper and a 3D animation studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members. For additional information, please visit www.oneidaindiannation.com.
The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ nearly 5,000 people, include Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the SāvOn chain of gas stations and convenience stores, several retail outlets, and Four Directions Media, which includes a national weekly newspaper and a 3D animation studio. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members. For additional information, please visit www.oneidaindiannation.com.
About HELP USA:
HELP USA’s mission is to provide housing and the supportive services necessary for the homeless and people in need, in order to become and remain self reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and self-sufficient. HELP USA breaks the cycle of dependency by addressing underlying causes in a way that respects the dignity of those it serves; helping clients help themselves.
The comprehensive continuum of services offered at HELP USA residencies includes employment training and placement, life skills education, childcare, and domestic violence counselling. As clients build confidence and skills, they take control of their lives and find a new beginning. For additional information, please visit www.helpusa.org.
