ROB WALSH AND JENNIFER GARVEY-BLACKWELL AND THE VINEYARD THEATRE AWARDED FOR SERVICE TO UNION SQUARE COMMUNITY

USP Presents Awards During 14th Annual Education Program Luncheon

New York (June 4, 2007) – The first executive director of the 14th Street-Union Square Business Improvement District and an off-Broadway theatre company and its executive director were honored today for their years of service to the Union Square community.  NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and the Vineyard Theatre, with Executive Director Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell, were honored by the Union Square Partnership at its 14th Annual Education Program Luncheon.

For 14 years, the USP Education Program has been working with Washington Irving High School (WIHS) to enrich students’ personal and educational experiences.  The initiative is guided by the active involvement of the community members, area businesses and long-term partners with the school.

Rob Walsh, who currently serves as Commissioner of the City’s Department of Small Business Services, received the inaugural Norman Buchbinder Community Leadership Award for his commitment to building communities and the lasting impact of his work as executive director of the USP.  During his leadership from 1989 to 1997, Rob played a key role in the area’s revitalization and helped to establish the Education Program.  Today, he continues to create opportunities for New Yorkers through the SBS’s nationally-recognized workforce development programs.

“Norman Buchbinder, a founding member of the Union Square Partnership, devoted his life to improving this community and we can think of no better first recipient of this honor than Rob,” said Jennifer Falk, Executive Director of the USP. “Rob’s untiring service to the people of this city is a model for us all and Norman would be proud to honor Rob with this award.”

“As a longtime friend of Norman’s, this is a personal honor,” said Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh. “He was a mentor to me in many ways and was a pillar of support during my time at the Partnership.  It was through his examples that I learned the true meaning of public service which has guided me in my career.  I would like to thank the Union Square Partnership for this extraordinary honor.”

Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell and the Vineyard Theatre were presented with the 14th Annual Cus D’Amato Community Service Award for the tremendous work she and the Theatre have done with the students of WIHS.  Since 1999, the Vineyard has offered in-class and after-school performing arts education to some 800 WIHS students annually.  The Vineyard was also a founding partner of the Performing Arts House at the school.

“For seven years, Jennifer and the Vineyard have volunteered their time to give students at Washington Irving an education in the performing arts and have created new possibilities for hundreds of students through there work,” said Jennifer Falk.  “This award is given to someone who symbolizes the same spirit of generosity and community involvement as Cus D’Amato, and the Vineyard Theatre has set the standard for that.”

“On behalf of the Vineyard Theatre I would like to thank the Union Square Partnership for this honor and for their commitment to incorporate the local community in the lives of Washington Irving High School students,” said Jennifer Garvey Blackwell, Executive Director of the Vineyard Theatre.  “There is a special feeling one gets from entertaining others, but the feeling we get from working with these young men and women is truly uplifting.  We look forward to having Washington Irving alumni performing on our stage and carrying on the tradition of teaching students.”

Each year, this award is given to someone who has made an exemplary commitment to the neighborhood, and the students and staff of WIHS.  The award is named in honor of Cus D’Amato, the owner of the legendary Gramercy Gym, who nurtured the minds and spirits of those he coached in the ring.  Previous recipients include actress Bette Midler, restaurateurs Danny Meyer and Eric Petterson, and Bob Kerry & The New School, last year’s honoree.

In 1994, the Union Square Partnership established a relationship with WIHS that has since evolved into one of the city’s most comprehensive public-private partnerships in education affecting thousands of students.  USP’s Education Program leverages the energy and resources of the area to enrich students’ educational experiences and prepare them for successful futures.

“Washington Irving High School is an important part of this neighborhood which is why the Union Square Partnership remains dedicated the students’ development,” said Union Square Partnership Co-Chairs Danny Meyer and Eric Seiler.  “We are honored to facilitate the longstanding relationship between the community and these young men and women, who will become our future leaders, employers, employees and neighbors.”

The Education Program brings businesses and community members directly into the school to provide everything from books and computers to tutoring and mentoring support.  This award-winning program focuses on: college & career programs, academic support, after-school activities, volunteerism efforts, character education & counseling, and family involvement activities. 

     Contact:

     Lee Silberstein or Shane Kavanagh

     The Marino Organization

     (212) 889-0808 

# # #