New Nonprofit, Seaside C.I.R.C.L.E., to Host Fundraiser Launch

By Kami-Leigh Agard

This Saturday, October 25, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Seaside C.I.R.C.L.E., a new nonprofit advocating to empower and unite the local community—through art and education, invites folks of all ages to their “Create For Change Fundraiser,” a festive day of interactive art stations, guided meditations and a free gift raffle. The event, happening at Nurture U Wellness (120-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard), will also serve as a fundraiser for the organization to host its inaugural Thanksgiving community dinner next month and other community initiatives. And symbolically for the organizers, Saturday also commemorates International Artist Day.

Seaside C.I.R.C.L.E. (Community in Rockaway to Create, Learn, and Empower) was co-founded this year by Belle Harbor residents, Michaela Cintron-Andrews, Annie Stevens and Samantha Cintron.

For Cintron-Andrews, an accomplished mixed media artist, who serves as board president, founding the nonprofit is a dream come true as it gives her an opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in.

“I’ve lived here in Rockaway all my life and have been part of a lot of organizations like the Girl Scouts, Skudin Surf, Rockaway Artists Alliance and many more. Also, my little brother, Dylan, is active in the Rockaway Theatre Company. My mom, Samantha Cintron, owner of Nurture U Wellness, and board treasurer of our nonprofit, is also really active in the community with her support of other businesses, organizations and creatives. Rockaway has so many amazing circles of people and groups all really passionate about uplifting and empowering each other with our talents. So, I just really want to be able to give back to the town that raised me,” Cintron-Andrews said.

According to a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, belonging to a community doesn’t rank as high as other factors in terms of providing meaning in life. While many Americans said that they find meaning in their family (69%), children (34%), spouse or partner (20%), and friends (19%), just 7% mentioned finding meaning in belonging to a group, community or church. And while 79% of Americans said that they are at least somewhat satisfied with the quality of life in their local community, only 16% said they’re very attached to their local community itself.

Through her nonprofit, Cintron-Andrews wants to change that narrative around, at least on a hyperlocal level in Rockaway.

“In the past few months, I’ve been watching a lot of news and with everything that’s happening in the world, I just wanted to create a safe space, where people can feel happy, full of light and joy. Regardless of our political ideologies, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders—Seaside will be a reminder that we’re all part of the same community. We’re all here and all want the same things—happiness, good health, love and purpose. That’s really why founding and getting this organization up and running is so important to me.” Cintron-Andrews said.

Annie Stevens is the organization’s board secretary. She shared that she and Cintron-Andrews met while they were students at the University of Hawaii. Once she moved to New York, she fell in love with the Rockaway community.

She said, “After I finished school, I moved out here to New York and worked at a few places. However, Michaela and I were looking for something more fulfilling, where we can make an impact in tune with our dual passions for art and sustainability. With Seaside, we’re ready to do it ourselves. We want to be able to help others through creativity, connection, empowerment, but we also want to mainly be a support and provide basic needs for people and other organizations in the community who need it. Our goal is to care for one another, accept each other and create with each other in a community still recovering from the effects of COVID and Hurricane Sandy. Also, meeting basic needs for people, whether it’s clothing or meals, honoring our elders, who built this community, and connecting them with youth through art classes and education.”

Currently, the organization is looking to fill other board positions.  Their overall fundraising goal is $25K, however, their immediate goal for next month’s Thanksgiving community dinner is $5K.

Stevens said, “From neighborhood artmaking and poetry tables to wellness gatherings and local partnerships, we’re building spaces that nurture expression, healing, and hope. So, donations will go towards much-needed supplies, space to hold events and support to other organizations.”

October 25 also marks the 21st annual International Artist Day, a day created by Canadian artist Chris MacClure in 2004 to recognize the essential contributions of artists to society and culture.

Cintron-Andrews said, “Celebrating International Artist Day at our event on Saturday lines up perfectly with our mission, thus the name, ‘Create For Change Fundraiser.’ Attendees will not just get to create art but feel the emotion about doing it together with community.”

Seaside C.I.R.C.L.E.’s “Create For Change Fundraiser” is this Saturday, October 25, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Nurture U Wellness (120-20 Rockaway Beach Boulevard). The event is free, with the exception of the tarot readings. Plus, attendees will be treated to a guided meditation led by Rockaway Times columnist, Shane Kulman. Also, interactive art stations, including a poetry-making station for all ages. Attendees will also be treated to a free gift raffle with prizes from Pico, Osake, a free week of basketball classes and more.

For more info about Seaside C.I.R.C.L.E., follow: seaside_circle on Instagram or email: seasidecirclenpo@gmail.com. To donate, visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/seaside-circle-inc-community-fund