The Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center established the Community Against Racism Fund to help repair several cars vandalized with racist and hate messages. It has been gratifying to learn that so many people care enough to respond.
Contributions have been arriving in the mail daily from Rochester citizens, often with notes of support. Fans at the Neighborhood Night at the Ballgame dropped their change into a CAR contribution can. Middle-school kids from Summer of Service cooked and sold sloppy joe lunches at Northrop Education Center to raise money for the cause. Almost $1,300 has been raised so far, and already two defaced vehicles have been restored with the help of the CAR Fund.
Tuesday is National Night Out, an evening when neighbors gather to get to know each other and to promote a safe and crime-free community. The Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center would like to encourage neighbors to take a stand against racism at their National Night Out Picnic by making a contribution to the CAR fund and by signing the Prejudice Isn't Welcome Pledge. Let's take this opportunity to work together as a community to squelch hatred and create a truly welcoming city.
Susan Waughtal
Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center
