(SEA CLIFF, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove) secured a $10,000 grant from the County’s Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax fund to support Sea Cliff-based Girls Rising, a not-for-profit founded by the members of the all-female rock group Antigone Rising.
The full Nassau County Legislature approved the grant on Monday, Sept. 27. According to their mission statement, Girls Rising partners with school districts and youth centers to create innovative programs that inspire kids through live performances, presentations and workshops. County funds will be utilized to support outreach directed toward connecting with young women and LGBTQ+ students in particular.
“I have known members of Antigone Rising for my entire life – from Kindergarten on – and I am in awe of how they inspire girls and women in America and all over the world,” Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said. “As a mom of three daughters, I realize how important their message is and deeply admire how they encourage everyone to find their voice and use it to express their true selves through their philanthropy. That is why I am so delighted that my colleagues voted unanimously to support a wonderful organization’s efforts to reach the next generation through music and the performing arts.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become very difficult for not-for-profits to raise money. This has been even harder for Girls Rising, which raises the majority of their funds through large live performance events,” said Sea Cliff Village Administrator Bruce Kennedy. “Once again, Delia has recognized an urgent need in her community and led the way to better serve her constituents.
"We are extremely grateful to Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton for directing this generous grant to Girls Rising,” said Girls Rising co-founders Kristen Ellis-Henderson, Cathy Henderson and Nini Camps. “The funds allow us to move forward after challenging times. It is our mission to continue inspiring, mentoring and empowering young women, LGBTQ and students to confidently work toward achieving their career goals."
PHOTO CREDIT - Photo by Peter M. Budraitis