MAYOR BLOOMBERG PROCLAIMS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009

IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AS

“CHILDREN MENDING HEARTS DAY”

CORBIN BLEU OF “HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL” AND

KATERINA GRAHAM OF “VAMPIRE DIARIES” HOST

“PLEASE MR. PRESIDENT WORKSHOP” FOR

400 HOMELESS AND FOSTER CHILDREN

LOS ANGELES (November 16, 2009) -- Children Mending Hearts (CMH) (www.childrenmendinghearts.org)—aglobal 501(c)3non-profit arts exchange foundation that enhances child development for at-risk youth in the United States and international conflict zones—hosted its "Please Mr. President" Workshop in New York City yesterday.  The 10-city workshop series features professional writers, artists, teachers, celebrities and VIPs that help disadvantaged youth with artistic projects and writing personal letters to the U.S. President about their lives and how they see the future. The New York City Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Robert V. Hess presented Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s Proclamation of Sunday, November 15, 2009, in the City of New York, as “Children Mending Hearts Day” to the non-profit’s founder and executive director Lysa Heslov.  The event took place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Common Ground’s Prince George Ballroomat 15 East 27th Street, New York City.

250 New York-area homeless children and 150 foster children and their families, as well as celebrities, community volunteers and civic leaders were in attendance.  VIP's in attendance included Children Mending Hearts celebrity ambassadors Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical”); Katerina Graham ("Vampire Diaries"); Tate Donovan (FX’s “Damages”); Chris Massey (Nick's "Zoey 101"); Kyle Massey (Disney's "Cory in the House"); Allen Evangelista (ABC Family’s "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"); Timothy Mitchum (“Across the Universe”); Greg Lauren (renowned artist); and Amy Rice (director, HBO’s “By The People: The Election of Barack Obama”).

During the workshop, each American child painted a t-shirt for a refugee child in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which Heslov will deliver on CMH’s 2nd AnnualArts Exchange Program in Africa, January 2010.  Other activities at the workshop included a photo booth, a pizza party with music by DJ Anane Vega (wife of Grammy-winning DJ Louie Vega), jewelry making and various arts and crafts. The workshops, letters and art will be featured in PSAs, a documentary titled, “The Local Refugee” that chronicles the struggles of these children, as well as a special children’s book slated for release in 2010.  Royalties from any projects benefit the participating children.

The Mayor’s Proclamation cited that “Since its founding, Children Mending Hearts has used the power of art to connect at-risk children in America with those living in conflict zones around the globe, bringing hope and happiness to some of the most vulnerable young people.  Its programs and events also educate, empower and encourage children to empathize with others, offering them a sense of belonging to a wider community.  The organizations efforts give vulnerable children a chance to put their talents to use to help build a more peaceful world.”

It went on to commend the CMH “Please Mr. President” Workshop Series: “By giving these young people a voice, it allows them to share their dreams and the fruits of their imaginations, while reinforcing faith in the idea that each of us—no matter our background or living circumstances—plays a part in building a strong future for our country.”

The Proclamation included the commitment from Mayor Bloombergs’ office: “Our administration is committed to ensuring that our City’s homeless residents receive the support and services they need.  That’s why our department of homeless services works tirelessly to find permanent housing for those who are living in shelters—and to provide the best possible preventative services for residents who are at risk of homelessness.  Though the DHS office of special events, we also work with a wide network of organizations to bring cultural, educational and recreational events to homeless families around the five boroughs.  Today, we are proud to join Children Mending Hearts for this wonderful event.  On behalf of our City, I applaud CMH for its outstanding efforts to improve the lives of those in need, and extend my best wishes for continued success.”

Partners for the Manhattan event include Common Ground, DoSomething.org, NYC Department of Homeless Services, New York Cares, StandUp For Kids and STEPS to End Family Violence.  Sponsors include BLS Limo, Diva Limo,Famous Famiglia, Hint Water, Morgans Hotel Group (Hudson New York), The Switch Beverages, Virgin America and Zico Coconut Water.

CMH has an educational partnership with Scholastic InSchool for the development of year-round after-school workshop programs for 68,000 U.S. Middle Schools.  

For more information, please visit www.childrenmendinghearts.org.

About Lysa Heslov