Community members and park enthusiasts showed up to support the Marine Park Alliance (MPA) at its IHOP fundraiser, at 2951 Avenue U, on Tuesday, January 27th, fighting both the cold and difficult driving conditions from the snow leftover from the weekend’s storm.
Between the hours of 3 and 10 p.m., 20% of the profits from customers who came for the event went to the nonprofit, which cares for Marine Park and holds public cultural events.
“We’re incredibly grateful to [manager] Danielle and the whole IHOP team for flipping the griddle in support of Marine Park tonight,” MPA Executive Director Scott Middleton said. “On a cold, icy night like this, IHOP really stacks up as a warm, welcoming place for Marine Park neighbors to gather, connect and support a great cause.”
While the bitter cold and slush-covered streets did keep away some customers, a group of dedicated neighbors showed up. One Flatlands resident who didn’t want to be named said that she and her husband dug out their car specifically to make it to the fundraiser.
Those who attended didn’t just get a warm meal but were also given Wonder gift cards, donated by the food app to MPA, and were educated about the organization’s upcoming events.
“Everybody uses the park; the Alliance supports the park, keeps the park in good shape,” said lifelong Marine Park resident Daniel Lichtman, whose father is an original MPA board member.
The Avenue U IHOP is no stranger to hosting fundraisers, often benefitting Brooklyn schools and other nonprofits. It’s the only franchise in the area to do so.
“I know the importance of the struggle for nonprofits to get any type of support, but this is a way that we can give back to the community,” manager Danielle Altamirano said.
Photos courtesy of Marine Park Alliance
It's great to see the Sheepshead Bay community showing up for the Marine Park Alliance at that IHOP fundraiser. Those local efforts really make a difference for neighborhood initiatives. I wonder how much of the turnout was from long-time residents versus newer families?