Come rain and rain and more rain!

That did not stop the incredible turnout of more than 120 participants from the Sixth Annual Pajama and Book Drive at the Astor Room on Thursday, November 19, 2015.

 

The charity event organized by Maria L. Delgado and was sponsored for the first time by The Astor Room, Kaufman Astoria Studios and Give Me Astoria was a huge success with over 645 new pairs of pajamas and books donated. This annual event benefits the children of The Pajama Program.

 

 

These children reside in shelters, foster and group homes nationwide. It is a simple gesture, but one that means the world to these kids as they are being shuffled around and often times do not have a warm pair of pajamas and a bedtime story to end an already tough day.

The food by renowned Chef Nathaniel “Natty” Felder was donated by the Astor Room, at the end of the night, there wasn't an empty plate or seat in the house. Nostalgic drinks such as an Old Fashioned and Rangoon Gimlet were flowing endlessly as the three piece Jazz band took you back to a simpler era.

Every year participants are encouraged to enjoy the PJ Drive together with their kids in their PJ's. Those that wanted to join in the fun, Give Me Astoria greeted guests with free GMA gear. The children all ready for bed in their pajamas, were magically transformed by the Cheeky Chipmunk, who again provided magnificent face paintings this year. Alot of lucky raffle winners received baskets and gift cards donated by local businesses.

 

As a community we should give, not only this time of year but every day! Let's continue to make a difference in these children's lives nationwide. For more information on how to help the efforts of The Pajama Program's mission, visit www.pajamaprogram.org