Wilson Commencement Park hosts several signature events throughout the year. These events help to advance WCP's mission, raise public awareness of its programs and promote the accomplishments of its residents and major supporters. These events also help WCP to raise critical funds and at the same time serve as an opportunity to acknowledge the many generous contributions made by Government Leaders, Corporate and Media Sponsors, Donors, Events-Advertisers and Attendees, Patrons, and all the wonderful Volunteers and Committee Members, as well as the Board of Directors and Advisory Council to advance WCP's mission.
Nurture A Future Breakfast
Join us for a continental breakfast at Wilson Commencement Park and learn more about WCP's special work with families and children in our community.
The NAF breakfasts are scheduled from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 & Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ten Ugly Men Festival
On July 26, 2008 the Ten Ugly Men will organize another huge outdoor festival to benefit local charities at Genesee Valley Park. These 11 generous fun-loving guys raised $75,000 at the 2007 festival, and gave $25,000 to WCP to help low-income, single-parent families achieve self-sufficiency.
Park staff and volunteers will be actively involved with the 2008 festival, which will again support Wilson Commencement Park. This is very exciting for all of us at the Park.
Please visit the Ten Ugly Men festival website for more information on this event. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Mary Lippa.
Interested to volunteer? Download the flyer here. 61 KB | PDF
Jazz for the Park
Since its inception in 2005 Jazz for the Park has raised nearly $75,000 for Wilson Commencement Park. In its first year Jazz for the Park presented internationally acclaimed Kevin Mahagony accompanied by the youthful New Life Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Kendrick Oliver.
In 2006 Wilson Commencement Park was able to secure a performance by legendary Multi Grammy Award Winner George Benson with a very special performance by Raul Midon.
In 2007 Wilson Commencement Park had the opportunity to present a dynamite concert by Multi Grammy Award Winner Pat Metheny, who was joined by Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez.
Jazz for the Park is made possible through the generous support of all its sponsors and patrons. A post concert reception following the performance gives patron-ticket holders and sponsors the opportunity to mingle among each other, learn more about WCP's mission and to meet the artist.
For sponsorship opportunities and to place an ad into the JFTP program book contact Mary Lippa.
Visit the Jazz for the Park website for more information on this signature benefit concert and scroll through the photo gallery.
Snow Ball Gala Celebration
The Snow Ball is Wilson Commencement Park's signature celebration of winter and a time to share the warmth with so many good friends. The event benefits WCP's programs to help low-income single parent families develop the skills they need to become independent. In addition to raising funds for WCP, the Snow Ball recognizes the accomplishments of its residents and major patrons.
The 13th annual Snow Ball gala on January 19, 2008 raised $60,000 for the children and families at WCP. At this year's event, which had an "Out of the World" theme, supporters danced the night away to one of New York's number-one party bands. The food was five-star quality and the "casino" was open for games of chance. Again this year was the popular silent auction showcasing hundreds of enticing items. Visit the photo gallery for pictures of this years Snow Ball.
For sponsorship opportunities and to place an ad into the Snow Ball program book contact Mary Lippa.
Winter Book Carnival
In January of every year, WCP's staff and families are celebrating the joy of reading at the annual Winter Book Carnival. The Carnival is made possible through the support of the Volunteers of America Scholastic Book program and the generosity of longtime WCP friend, V.J. Stanley. This years theme, "Chill Out with a Good Book," was designed to create a visually inviting literature display, capturing the children's curiosity and imagination, and inspiring them to immerse themselves in the world of literature. "A Family that Reads Together, Succeeds Together" was this years slogan.
Carnival activities include reading and word games, and each child receives a new book as a door prize at the end of the evening. Complete with plenty of popcorn and cotton candy for munching, the Winter Book Carnival promises to be a "Don't Miss" event!
The event is part of Wilson Commencement Park's literacy focus. WCP is dedicated to establishing a solid literacy foundation for all the children and families served. Offering a variety of programs aimed at enhancing skills and providing a supportive learning environment. WCP's literacy initiative includes components geared to both children and adults.
