Children and families decorated wooden angel ornaments to place on trees outside and inside the John Malone Community Center, located at 2331 Bergen Avenue, on Wednesday, December 17th, at the 2nd Annual Tree Lighting in memory of a beloved neighborhood icon, Terri Cadet-Donald. The event also marked the 1st Annual Terri’s Toy Drive.
Millennium Development’s DJ, Hector, played festive tunes that had everyone singing along and swaying in rhythm during the ornament decorating process. Santa visited and sat in appreciation, as children of all ages decorated a tree with unique and creative embellishments in honor and remembrance of Cadet-Donald, who was a constant positive presence in the Bergen Beach and Mill Basin communities.
“Terri was always instrumental in our organization; she spotlighted the kids and I agree with that one hundred percent,” Millennium Development Executive Director Paul Curiale said. “Make everything about the kids,” he said, referring to her commitment and dedication to the youth.
Just as the sun was setting, Santa led everyone outside to the fenced-off area around the vibrant eight-foot tree that was dedicated to Cadet-Donald last year. The Millennium students from P.S. 312 Bergen Beach School delighted the crowd with their “Jingle Bells” chant and dance and had everyone singing along to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” and their holiday song mash-up.
Between performances, Curiale invited Santa up to be involved in the ceremonial lighting occasion. Cadet-Donald’s husband, Cal Donald, was also present and stood next to the tree holding a large sign with his late wife’s smiling photograph, a smile that was contagious. They started a countdown and suddenly the tree was sparkling with green and purple lights.
Festivities continued with P.S. 236 Mill Basin School’s Millennium students singing, “Let It Snow.” The last performance was by Elizabeth Dance Image on Avenue N, and they mesmerized everyone with their amazingly choreographed dances.
The toy drive was held in Cadet-Donald’s honor from the end of October to the middle of December. Mill Basin Civic Association, 63rd Precinct and 63rd Precinct Community Council, Bergen Beach Youth Organization and Millennium sponsored this memorable event.
Before everyone returned inside the community center for hot chocolate, Cadet-Donald’s daughter, Kalli Donald, read a poem that she wrote about her beloved mother and how much she continues to miss her. Her heartfelt poem moved the crowd to tears.
The toy drive and tree lighting was another way to remember and honor Terri Cadet-Donald’s generous spirit and love for giving.
