Local nonprofit Believe at Bellaire hosted its second annual ‘Hoppy Hunt’ at Harold Walker Memorial Park on April 4. The event included an Easter Bunny photo station, arts and crafts, popcorn and cotton candy booths, a talent show, a pizza eating contest, and a spelling bee. The three contests had $25 rewards. The titular hunt took place at the end of the event.
LaTaya Carter, founder of Believe at Bellaire, was honored and awarded a proclamation plaque by New York State Senator Selia Bynoe.
“I love giving back and making sure kids have access to everything they need to have a good childhood,” Carter said. “I want them to learn new things and provide them the opportunity to do things they wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.”
There were also sports instructional clinics for basketball, baseball, football, karate, and cheer. Members of the Malverne High School cheer team ran the cheer clinic. The event also had free haircuts and hair braiding stations.
A financial literacy seminar was also presented by ‘Where’s the Money?’ founder Elijah Butts. Butts’ organization teaches young people and adults about investments, life insurance, 401k, and other money management strategies. Butts started the organization in 2010 and has been giving financial advice ever since.
Emblem Health sponsored the event. In collaboration with Carter’s other nonprofit, Beyond Your Scars, they had a free health check-up station at the entrance to the park. “With Beyond Your Scars, I wanted to give healthcare to people who may not be able to afford it,” Carter said.
State Assemblyman Noah Burroughs and County Legislator Carrie Solages were at the event. Solages addressed the crowd and thanked them for their participation and enthusiasm. “We’re all here to give support the organizations that bring us together as a community,” he said. “Let’s make sure we have a third annual event.”
