Togetherhood project at Don Bosco

Painting at Don Bosco A Togetherhood Project Togetherhood is the YMCA's Signature Program for Social Responsibility. This program invites Y members to lead and participate in volunteer service projects that benefit the communities where they live.

By Hannah Blake

The mission at Don Bosco is to enable all people, especially the young and those who need us most, to realize their fullest potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

The task for the volunteers was to paint a mural for the wall of the Community Center. The mural was going into a room that was being dedicated for young children to begin their education. The parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn as well.

The mural was made to be kid friendly and also displayed the journey of a child. It began with the toddlers learning their ABCs and progressed to kids learning with technology to teenagers about to graduate.

At the beginning of day one of painting, the mural started out as a rough sketch that needed filling in.

As the first day progressed, the mural became a free for all and anyone could paint the faces or bodies any which way they wanted.

People of many ages came to help, so there were a variety of styles.

Day One

Day 2

Day 3

Final Product!

Briana said that community service is important to her and her family because it is good karma helping others.

Doris said that she likes helping other people and that the world certainly needs help.

Thank you to Don Bosco for allowing us to be a part of something so memorable!

Special thanks to the Rye Arts Center, especially Adam Levi and Robert Wiener, for being such a great partner!

A massive thank you to Daniel DeNapoli for being the best artist to guide us through this!

The biggest thank you to Ann Heekin, Executive Director, Don Bosco Center!

Thank you to A.I. Friedman for donating supplies!

Thank you to Stu Reis for putting this project together!

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers that painted the mural!