Let's Brighten Up Astoria For The Holidays

Please join me in donating to this fund to light up our neighborhood for the upcoming holidays. This is the 3rd year since starting this fundraiser, and it has been a great success. For years, the holiday lights would magically appear on our streets. Little did I know this was because of the efforts of a few people, going from business to business, asking for donations. It's no easy task to ask people for money. Many brush you off or tell you to come back at another time. I have experienced this personally. One year, the lights went dark, so I went to the one person who was always involved, and that's when I found out there wasn't enough money raised for this project. That is when I had to help. It was so sad to walk around my beautiful Astoria neighborhood during the holidays without the string lights glistening above. Not only does it adorn our streets, but it helps bring business to all the local stores. Over the years, we have seen great shops go, more recently, our beloved Pizza Palace and Mikes Diner. My shop, Lavender Label, also suffered, and we had to close. When too many big chain stores come in, it is almost impossible to collect funds for projects like this. Please share this as often as possible, and tell people about it. Last year, residents were donating, and it was heartwarming. We love Astoria and want to keep it unique.

Thank you,

Vivian Mavromoustakos

A lifelong Astoria resident

More information about Astoria Restoration Association: Neighborhood Preservation Through Economic Development & Assistance To Astoria Residents