“GO GREEN” CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN OF ITHACA

February 11, 2009 – Ithaca, NY – The sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division are hosting The Crayon Carnival - Go Green Project on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at The Shops at Ithaca Mall from 10am – 4pm. This one-of-a-kind, free community event aims to bring together local organizations, governmental agencies, Cornell faculty and students to demonstrate simple ways in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle to the children of Ithaca and their families.

“We want to educate on how to go green in a form that children can relate to,” stated Kathy Lugo, member of Omega Phi Beta and Cornell’s Class of 2010, “by having educational exhibits alongside arts and craft activities we intend this learning experience to be 100% fun!”  The Crayon Carnival will consist of educational activities that include live exhibits, informational booths, and reading tents.  Also in keeping with a carnival feel, there will also be popcorn, games, entertainment and even a fashion show occurring throughout the day for the children and their families to enjoy.

The Crayon Carnival – Go Green Project is aimed to achieve three goals: build an awareness and understanding of the environment; to promote environmental stewardship; and to encourage participants and their families to develop a green standard of living.  The event will be made possible by the support of the Cornell Public Service Center’s Community Partnership Board, International Student Programming Board, and the Latino Living Center.

For more information visit: www.CrayonCarnival.com

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Nu Chapter at Cornell University serves and educates people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. Since its inception in 1999, the Chapter has dedicated its time and efforts in the greater Ithaca area toward addressing the chapter’s philanthropy of child welfare.

The Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division manages the solid waste of Tompkins County in a manner that is environmentally sound, cost-effective, socially responsible and safe.

The Cornell Public Service Center seeks to foster leadership and social responsibility by encouraging students to take action against social problems. The CPB assists students in developing grassroots community action projects and administers grants from the Community Partnership Fund to make these projects possible.