NEWARK, NJ, Tuesday, October 24, 2006 - The public has spoken! With over 115 groups participating in ONE DAY on October 7, 2006, over 30 groups entered Beautiful Newark’s $10,000 contest. Each contestant submitted pictures and narratives on how they beautified their area. The suspense is finally over and the winner of $10,000 contest is finally announced.

The generosity sparked by Beautiful Newark ONE DAY raffle prize sponsorship touched one organization in particular – the Newark Alliance. Newark Alliance is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that works in partnership with local government and the Superintendent of the Newark Public Schools to improve economic conditions and the quality of the public education system, respectively, in the City of Newark.

Newark Alliance was instrumental in the motivation of participation on ONE DAY. Project registration grew by over 30% upon announcement of the contest, leaving LEAGUE School Coaches and Community Coaches stunned at the generous prize amount and contest.

Three finalists were chosen by a diverse panel of judges; Cleveland School, Louise A. Spencer/Boys & Girls Club – Avon Avenue, and Stop Shootin’. On Thursday October 19, 2006, the Star Ledger and Beautiful Newark website www.beautifulnewark.org announced the three finalists and opened the polls for voting until Monday October 23, 2006 at 11:59 p.m.

The contest generated massive public interest through word of mouth, outreach emails, and phone calls. All these techniques, mixed with persistence, and sheer determination, resulted in an outstanding landslide of 8,511 votes for Stop Shootin’!

Surprising the winner with an oversize, 3 foot by 4 foot $10,000 check at the winner’s after-school program - located at 15 James Street, Newark, NJ - Ms. Sharon Salvador, Beautiful Newark Program Manager, Ms. Barbara Malone of Newark Alliance, Modia Butler of Newark Now and Dennis Porter of Prodigal Sons & Daughters. To see the winner’s surprise on video please visit www.beautifulnewark.org.

“We have been doing lots for the community simply with the love of our hearts and our own pockets. With this money we are going to prove how a little bit of money can go a long a way”, said Al-Tariq Onque of Stop Shootin’ who also shared what the funds will be used for.

Stop Shootin’ will supplement already existent innovative programming such as:
• Stop Shootin’ Start Hoopin’ - after-school program for children of all ages
• Stop Shootin’ Start Feedin’ – dinner program that feeds disenfranchised youth once a week
• Stop Shootin’ Entrepreneur Program – direct sales program where participants receive 30% profit of all Stop Shootin’ merchandise sold.
• Two Championship Winning Basketball Teams – that compete with all leagues through the city
• Baxter Terrace Clean-up – weekly Baxter Terrace resident clean-up programs
• Motivational Speaking Program – Stop Shootin’ Leadership speaks on anti-violence and better problem solving techniques with youth in urban areas

Congratulations Stop Shootin’!

For requests of additional information, please contact Beautiful Newark Program Manager, Sharon Salvador at (973) 975 – 4119.


Beautiful Newark ONE DAY Sponsors:
Applegate Farms Homemade Ice Cream
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark
Coutinho’s Bakery
Essex County Executive - Joseph DiVincenzo
Greater Newark Conservancy
Hobby’s Delicatessen and Restaurant
Jersey Cares
Newark Alliance
Newark Bears
Newark Now
Pepsi
PSE&G
Regional Business Partnership
Tasty Too!
The League
The MCJ Foundation
The Owl’s Nest Foundation
The Star Ledger
The Three Doctors Foundation
Verizon
Wachovia
Zing Marketing