A Message from the Comptroller   Budget season is in full swing and I just returned from Albany where I testified about the state of the City’s finances, the significant challenges we currently face, and the urgent need for greater investment in New York City through State funding. As you’ve likely heard, the City faces a multi-billion-dollar budget gap in the next two years. It’s not all doom and gloom, however; revenue is high and revised tax receipts are up this year. Still, New York remains a city of contradictions. The stock market is at an all-time high — the Dow above 50,000 for the first time ever — yet nearly 90,000 New Yorkers slept in our shelters last night. New York City is home to more billionaires than any other city in the world. And yet nearly one in four New Yorkers live in poverty. That’s 2 million people, including 420,000 children. And this month’s New York by the Numbers, our monthly economic snapshot, reflects that disconnect. While New York City’s office market has continued its steady and robust rebound in early 2026, job growth remains stagnant, with weekly jobless claims creeping upward in January and persistent hiring challenges for recent graduates which could further hamper future job growth. Rents continue to soar, which means shelter costs and the City’s contribution to rent subsidy programs are also rising. At the same time, New York City remains a preeminent destination with tourism numbers coming in stronger than last January and higher consumer confidence than the rest of the country. These contradictions are also evident in the City’s budget. With a fiscal gap not seen since the Great Recession, all options are on the table and a stronger partnership with Albany will be essential — after all, New York City sends far more money to the state than we receive in return; by one recent estimate, more than $20 billion. If we act now with clarity, urgency, and a real partnership with Albany, we can create a more resilient fiscal foundation, steel ourselves for the uncertainty ahead, and be a city and state that leaves no one behind. As always, we will continue to track these trends closely and share clear, data-driven insights to help New Yorkers understand what’s happening in our economy, and what it means for the City’s future. Sincerely, New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine

Office of the New York City Comptroller Office of New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine 1 Centre Street New York, NY 10007 United States

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#governmentfunding

The post Good News Corporation, our nonprofit has never received government funding or asked for it, Good News did no become an NGO and receive money for being one. appeared first on Good News!.

Listen to “Shell-Shocked Linguist Unravels Global Conspiracy in Sci-Fi Thriller “Symphony of Shadows” Andrei Amarov” on Spreaker.

New York, NY – June 13, 2024 – A charismatic linguist becomes entangled in a web of
deceit and intrigue in the upcoming sci-fi thriller “Symphony of Shadows,” currently
seeking funding for production. The film, from filmmakers Andrei Amarov and Dustin
Lee, who are driven by a passion to tell stories that touch hearts, provoke thought, and
inspire change, blends action, humor, and thought-provoking themes to captivate
audiences worldwide.

Logline: A shell-shocked linguist from a United Nations envoy stumbles upon a cryptic
device with the power to heal the world…or fracture it further. Thrust into a global
conspiracy, he joins forces with a determined student and a disillusioned former agent
to fight for a brighter future.
Synopsis: Witness the chaotic aftermath of a protest at the UN complex in New York
City. Christian Bure, a young linguist haunted by past experiences, encounters Joachim
Okeke, a grateful immigrant who entrusts him with a mysterious object. As Christian
delves deeper, aided by a brilliant and determined student, Leyue Mei, he discovers the
device possesses incredible healing powers. This discovery sets him on a collision
course with a powerful organization seeking to control the device for their own gain.
A Timely Story for Global Audiences:
“Symphony of Shadows” confronts the challenges of our world head-on, exploring
themes of social unrest, resource disparity, and the longing for global unity. The film
features a diverse cast and crew, reflecting the international scope of the story.
Sustainable Global Franchise Potential:
The film’s open ending leaves room for sequels and spin-offs, creating a rich universe
for serialized storytelling. This, coupled with the film’s global appeal, positions
“Symphony of Shadows” to become a sustainable global franchise, captivating
audiences and fostering a loyal fanbase.
Experienced Creative Team:
The film is helmed by a seasoned team with a proven track record of success. Andrei
Amarov, a multilingual actor, producer, and writer, brings his passion for storytelling and
international experience to the project. Dustin Lee, with decades of experience in
filmmaking, television production, and corporate strategy, offers invaluable expertise in
guiding the film’s financial, technological, and artistic development.

Investment Opportunity:
“Symphony of Shadows” presents an exciting opportunity for investors seeking to be
part of a captivating and thought-provoking film with global franchise potential.
To Learn More:
For more information about “Symphony of Shadows” and investment opportunities,
please contact:
Andrei Amarov
(212) 470-2128
andrei.amarov@gmail.com

#shellshockedlinguist #globalconspiracy #scifithriller #symphonyofshadows #andreiamarov #unitednations#un #healtheworld

The post Shell-Shocked Linguist Unravels Global Conspiracy in Sci-Fi Thriller “Symphony of Shadows” Andrei Amarov appeared first on Good News!.

United Way of New York City and Food Bank For New York City are pleased to announce that the 2024 Seed Grant Application is here! Non-profit organizations are invited to submit projects that provide organizations with the ability to develop or improve upon innovative and sustainable ways of confronting emergency food and/or nutrition needs of low-income individuals.

Selected projects may receive up to $25,000. Note: past Seed Grant recipients from 2018 onwards will be ineligible to participate for the 2024 grant cycle. This grant is not intended to start new emergency food programs, or to support food costs or operational costs for existing emergency feeding programs. 

Step 1: Review Application Guidelines (includes application questions, application instructions and required supporting documents)

Step 2: Download Required Project Goals and Budget Template 

Step 3: Starting December 1st, apply HERE (We suggest drafting your answers using the questions noted in the “Application Guidelines”, then typing them in when completing the online application form. You must have all supporting documents ready on-hand before beginning application)

Optional: Review the recorded Seed Grant Application Webinar on feednyc.org for tips on completing the application.

Applications open December 1st and are due December 21st, 2023.  

Thank you,

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Founder of The Farzana Foundation, Farzana Niemmann and 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and 2 Time NYTimes Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby

The Farzana Foundation held its Inaugural Gala at the Apostle’s Ballroom on November 29 th, 2022. It was a huge success with attendees including well known entrepreneurs, anchors, actresses, artists, models, socialites and
fashion designers including, emcee C-King, 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and 2 Time New York Times Best Seller, Rita Cosby, Designer/Supermodel, Avadora Mimouni, Designer, Elie Balleh, Singer, Model and Reality Show Stars, Jamila and Celina Niemann, Humanitarian, Eve Brookville, Model, Artist, and Actress Olga Gretchen Schwartz, Model and Makeup Artist Sabine Wonderwoman, Award Winning Actress, Julianne Michelle, Artist and Philanthropist, Vill E. Wright, Ukrainian-American, Artist and Philanthropist Tatyana Horoshko and Ukrainian- American Opera Singer,
Oleksandra Hrabova, Socialite, Juan Castelo Branco among many other notables. Fashion shows were featured including Diana Mahrach designs with models’ hair and makeup coordinated by Donna Sousa of Makeover Artistry. Food was catered by La Mila Catering Camp; Events and drinks by Empire Rockefeller Vodka and Peramo Wine, and entertainment by DJ Sulel.

All photos in this article by Jeff Smith

Jose Castelo Branco, Tomaczek Bednarek, Rita Cosby, Farzana Niemann, Avadora Mimouni, Alex Quint, Lorraine Silvetz and Julianne Michelle

Farzana Niemann and Artist, Vill E Wright and his portrait of Farzana.

Eve Brookville, Farzana Niemann, Avadora Mimouni and Lorraine Silvetz

Fashion show took place during the event including Designer, Diana Mahrach with Hair and Makeup coordinated by Donna Sousa. Food was catered by La Mila Catering & Events and drinks by Empire Rockefeller Vodka and Peramo Wine, and entertainment by DJ Sulel. One hundred percent of the funds raised went to funding water wells in the region of Herat, Afghanistan.

Emcee C-King

Farzana Niemann and Rita Cosby

Celina and Jamila Niemann

Farzana Niemann, Rita Cosby, Diane Sare and Lorraine Silvetz

Since 2017, Farzana’s family has provided funding for more than 61 freshwater wells in the area surrounding her birth city of Herat which is located in the Northwestern parts of the country near the border with Iran. This has enabled families, living in this area. to enjoy this basic necessity. While each of these wells provides water to literally hundreds of families, there is a great need to construct more to satisfy the people’s substantially greater requirements.

Tatyana Horoshko, Alex Gegera and Jenise Ariane

Gretchen Olga Schwartz, Farzana Niemann, Jose Castelo Branco, Eve Brookville

Tatyana Horoshko, Flora Pllumaj, Robert Baxter, Lorraine Silvetz and Rebecca Ricks

Those that do not have a freshwater well in their village must frequently travel great distances on foot and physically carry extremely heavy containers of water for their families. As a mother of three, Farzana recognizes the difficulties and stress one experiences as a parent, under normal conditions, let alone an untenable environment where one has little supply of basic necessities.

Farzana Niemann, Designer, Diana Mahrach and Eve Brookville

Singer, Oleksandra Hrabova

Farzana Niemann, Singers, Mother and Daughter, Oleksandra and Anna Hrabova

Farzana is a passionate and accomplished veteran in the healthcare industry who, for the first fifteen years of her career, worked as a senior registered nurse at some of the most prestigious hospitals in the city of Hamburg, Germany, where her family finally settled after fleeing the ravages of war in her birth country of Afghanistan. Farzana came to the UN from Hamburg in 2011 where she shifted her focus from medicine to becoming a full-time skincare specialist (NY licensed aesthetician) and celebrity makeup artist.

Designer, Elie Balleh and his lovely wife

Rita Cosby

Center of photo-Diana Mahrach, Farzana Niemann, Donna Sousa and models

Being a survivor of domestic violence Farzana has become an advocate for Women’s Empowerment that reinforced her sensitivity to the plight of women in Afghanistan. She has been an outspoken public speaker on this topic with the goal of providing women with a greater sense of unification and cohesiveness. This has included presentations to the Miss Immigrant Contest Unlabelled Award and The United Nation’s an organization dedicated to the promotion of Women’s Empowerment.

Lorraine Silvetz, Gretchen Olga Schwartz and Flora Pllumaj

Artist, Tatyana Horoshko and Farzana Niemann

Farzana feels particularly passionate about this project since her own life experiences closely parallel challenges that unfolded in Afghanistan. After the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 she was subjected to a terrifying environment of war over a two-year period where members of her nuclear family were murdered by the invading forces. Many of her surviving family were forced to flee the country or face certain death, although some remained to face the aftermath. Due to being exposed to this horrific environment, she became determined to create more palatable circumstances for those that remain in Afghanistan. As an advocate for women’s rights, she is deeply troubled by the subordination and general abuse experienced by women under the current regime and is determined to support and encourage a greater climate of justice in the area.

Farzana and Celina Niemann, Lorraine Silvetz and Rita Cosby

Lorraine Silvetz, Dr. Adal Hussain and Avadora Mimouni

The immediate goal of the Farzana Foundation is to provide funding for the construction of more freshwater wells. The benefit to families in this region cannot be overestimated. Farzana is determined to ensure that the the proud people of Afghanistan receive the proper treatment and basic necessities to which all of humanity should be entitled. I could not imagine a more noble goal.

Alex Quint, Lorraine Silvetz, Alex Gegera, Farzana Niemann, Artist, Tatyana Horoshko, and Emcee, C-King

For more information go to www.thefarzanafoundation.com
IG @thefarzanafoundation

Journalist, Lorraine Silvetz, MSW is a psychotherapist and Executive Director of Global Stress Initiative. She is a graduate of New York University’s School of Social Work.
Instagram @lorrainesilvetzofficial
Twitter @lorrainesilvetz
Photo Credit: Alvin Toro

The post The Farzana Foundation brings Water to the World! appeared first on Good News!.

The Farzana Foundation
Who Farzana Niemann, Executive Director – The Farzana Foundation, Inc.
What Non-Profit Organization that Provides Funding for the Construction of Fresh Water Wells
Where Small Villages Surrounding Herat City, Afghanistan
When Since the Recent US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Why
The events surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan have been heartbreaking, and the unimaginable suffering experienced by the Afghani people as result of this has motivated us to help in any way we can. While much of the subsequent activity in the area has involved assisting people flee the country, we believe there is a significant need to provide assistance to the millions of those who have been forced to remain. Our mission is to provide funding for the construction of fresh water wells within the many small villages located throughout the country that do not enjoy this basic necessity of everyday life. Those of us who live in the more developed nations take fresh running water for granted. However, as hard as it may be to believe, many of the smaller villages in Afghanistan simply do not have ready access to fresh running water for normal everyday drinking and sanitary purposes.
Since 2017, Farzana’s family has provided funding for more than thirty-five of these fresh water wells in the area surrounding her birth city of Herat, located in the Northwestern part of the country near their border with Iran, where she spent the first nine years of her life. This has enabled families living in this area to enjoy this basic necessity more readily. While each of these wells provides water to literally hundreds of families, there is a great need to construct many more of them to satisfy the substantially greater requirements of these people. Those that do not have a fresh water well in their village must frequently travel great distances by foot and physically carry back very heavy containers of water for their families. An undertaking of this nature can cover distances of several miles and take many hours during the day, a great deal of time and effort that could otherwise be used for more productive endeavors in the further development of their society. As a mother of three, Farzana understands the difficulties and worry over children that a parent experiences under normal conditions, notwithstanding an untenable environment that may exist without basic necessities such as water.

#water #day #special #farzana #foundation #niemann #nonprofit #provides #funding #construction #fresh #wells #necessities #afghanistan #herat #villages #sanitary #drinking #border #iran

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1. Listening – being aware of what’s going on in the community
2. Engaging – affect change either individually or through an organization
3. Empowering Action – by funding or volunteering

There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit and community organizations in the U.S. They have a huge impact on their neighborhoods by providing resources and enriching people’s lives. At a time in the nation’s history when there’s been undeniable progress, yet far too many reminders of how much more remain to be done, many of these organizations work hard to help educate and build more inclusive communities across the country.

Scott Becker, President of the Nissan Foundation and Nissan Senior Vice President of Administration, discusses the benefits of living and working together in a diverse society and how people can get involved today to make their communities better places for all. He also talked about how the Nissan Foundation has awarded several grants to nonprofits across the country to support programs that promote the value of cultural diversity in American society.

#listening #engaging #empowering #action #communities #diversity #break #down #barriers #aware #funding #volunteering #change #individually #organization

The post Podcast – Confirmed 8 am Mon 6/25 Building Better Communities – Promote Diversity and Break Down Barriers appeared first on Good News!.

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION GALA in support of The 13th Annual Charles Evans PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), a nonprofit organization which remains steadfast in its commitment to identify and fund groundbreaking cancer research programs to save the lives of millions, will host its annual gala at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY on Saturday, August 26, 2017.

EVENT TITLE: Prostate Cancer Foundation Gala

PERFORMERS: Kool & The Gang, and other special surprise guests.

HOSTS: Alerion Aviation Bill Ackman Steve and Alexandra Cohen Bonnie Pfeifer Evans Brian Friedman Bill Finneran Ken and Maria Fishel Larry Gagosian and Chrissie Erpf Jefferies Josh and Marjorie Harris John and Susan Kean David and Julia Koch Richard and Karen LeFrak Michael and Margie Loeb Bill and Phyllis Mack Richard Merkin Mike and Lori Milken Modell’s Sporting Goods Glenn and Jennifer Myles Joel Pashcow Artie and Selma Rabin Steven and Daryl Roth Jonathan and Sheryl Sokoloff Shinnecock Tennis Club Tom Lee and Ann Tenenbaum Igor and Valentina Tulchinsky Whispering Angel

EVENT SCHEDULE: Saturday, August 26, 2017

Press check in: 5:30PM – 6:30PM (MANDATORY)*

Cocktail Reception: 6:30PM

Dinner: 7:30PM *Subject to client Approval

EVENT LOCATION:

Parrish Art Museum
279 Montauk Highway
Water Mill, NY, 11976

www.parrishart.org

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: @PCFnews
Facebook: facebook.com/PCF.org
YouTube: youtube.com/prostatecancerfdn

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The post THE 13TH ANNUAL A HAMPTONS HAPPENING HONORS DIVERSE INDUSTRY LEADERS TO BENEFIT THE SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION appeared first on Good News!.

On Sunday, March 12th, we changed our clocks ahead one hour, which means that Daylight Savings Time started and Standard Time has ended. However, the change shouldn’t stop there. The Chase Frederick project, suggests that you should also take this opportunity to NOT only change the time, but your watch too.

Aiming to challenge the paradigm of thinking that an automatic watch is only for the men’s club, the Chase Frederick project, (https://www.chasefrederick.com) is on a mission to change this perception. The luxury time-piece company is hitting the luxury fashion accessories market hard with breathtakingly designed slim, self-winding automatic watches for women. Within an industry where automatic watches are primarily bulk and well suited for men, Chase Frederick hopes to debut multiple designs, with the help of crowdfunding, that reflect vintage aesthetics with a modern, yet romantic appeal. Chase Frederick is headquartered in Indianapolis and run by husband and wife co-founders Angie and Jeremy Zimmerman, who saw a missing product within the women’s watch market. The Chase Frederick Kickstarter will run for duration of 30 days and will assist the company in launching seven different automatic watch designs with a general retail price of under $300. The company has set an overall crowdfunding goal of $20K.
Angie and Jeremy Zimmerman will be able to discuss the following The levels for the campaign and contributor gifts include:
• Contribute $30 or more for a free bracelet (Below)
• $200 Super Early Bird Contributor special for choice of one watch with stainless steel band: Pink dial, Serenity blue dial, or Silver dial. Includes $30 bracelet for free. (Limited to 100 contributors)
• $225 Super Early Bird Contributor special for choice of one watch with premium stainless steel band: Two toned gold, two-tone Rose gold or titanium. Includes $30bracelet for free. (Limited to 100 contributors)
• $225 for choice of one watch with stainless steel band: Pink dial, Serenity blue dial, or silver dial. Includes $30 bracelet for free.
• $250 for choice of one watch with premium stainless steel band: Two- tone gold, Two – tone rose gold, or Titanium. Includes $30 bracelet for free.
• $1250 Sorority/Wedding Pack: Any choice of any six watches. Includes 6 bracelets, with a $30 value each.

Chase Frederick bracelet
“The trend has shifted towards larger watch dials, and this is because many watch brands spend so much time focusing on men and not women,” says Jeremy Zimmerman. “We chose to do something very few other brands do in the watch industry; we chose to focus on creating a truly feminine piece. A timepiece is a fashion statement which should complement your wardrobe, and we felt this bold statement for women should be elegant, and feminine, something women would be proud to wear.”
A self-winding automatic reflects a more classic style with a visual impact. Chase Frederick takes much pride in their first product, a 24mm Automatic Timepiece designed and manufactured with only the finest materials and quality craftsmanship. Every part of the timepiece is the brand’s original design while working closely with manufacturers to flesh out complete engineering specifications, identifying quality materials, processes and techniques that best fit the overall vision of creating an elegant and truly feminine piece.
For more information on Chase Frederick please visit https://www.chasefrederick.com
About Chase Frederick
Chase Frederick is Fashion Design Company with an expertise in mechanical and automatic watches. Located in Indianapolis, their diverse team of fashion designers, engineers and watch experts have taken a lifetime of experiences and spent the last year perfecting the watch. The timepiece reflects something from the past, upgraded to a marveling modern sophisticated style. Set out to infuse this watch with a sense of history and tradition known for unrivaled quality and precision, the style was designed with elegance for today’s modern women. https://www.chasefrederick.com

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