Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Offers More Than Just A Hot Meal

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen is the second largest soup kitchen in the country, but they provide their guests with so much more than food.  Listen as their guests describe the vast array of services and how they have helped them get back on their feet.



Produced by - On the Leesh Productions
Featuring: Rev. Glenn Chalmers, Barbara, Joseph, David, Jay, Gerard, Norman, Patricia, Samuel, Juanita, Elizabeth, and Guests of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen
Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Shot by: Amanda Blohm, James McGann and Alicia Arinella
Edited by: Amanda Blohm and Alicia Arinella
Music by: Buick Audra
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Special Thanks: Yvonne Cassidy, Jordan Rubenstein, Rev.Glenn Chalmers,  Barbara, Joseph, Jay, David, Gerard, Norman, Patricia, Samuel, Juanita, Elizabeth, and everyone at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, and Dennis Arinella

For more information on What You Can Do, please visit:
Facebook - www.Facebook.com/whatyoucando
Twitter - www.Twitter.com/whatyoucando
Website - www.whatyoucando.com
Blog - www.whatyoucandoseries.blogspot.com
Vlog - www.youtube.com/unstoppableminute.com
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/1minette

For more information on On the Leesh Productions, please visit:
Website - http://www.ontheleesh.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/ontheleesh
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/ontheleesh
Blog - http://www.ontheleesh.blogspot.com

For more information on Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, please visit - 
Website - www.holyapostlessoupkitchen.org
Facebook - www.facebook.com/holyapostlessoupkitchen
Follow them on Twitter - www.twitter.com/HolyApostelsNYC


For more information Buick Audra, please visit:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/buickaudramusic
Twitter - www.twitter.com/buickaudra
Instagram - www.instagram.com/buickaudra
Website - www.buickaudra.com

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen: Voice of a Donor Features Alicia Arinella

Alicia Arinella, President of On the Leesh Productions, and Executive Producer of What You Can Do, was recently interviewed for Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen's Voice of a Donor.  

Read below to find out more about Alicia's commitment to helping the organization.  

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FOOD FOR THE SOUL

ALICIA ARINELLA, DONOR, VOLUNTEER, WHAT CAN YOU DO

Voice of a Donor… Alicia

In Soup Kitchen Stories on June 26, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Founder and owner of her own production company, director and producer of 11 short films, one feature film and critically acclaimed series ‘What Can You Do’, Alicia Arinella is not someone who would strike you as being nervous. And yet, as she walked into the soup kitchen to begin her first day volunteering, that’s exactly how she was feeling.

‘We’d been looking for something we could do as an office team and we found the soup kitchen,’ she remembers. ‘I really wanted to help but I’d never done anything like this. I didn’t know what to expect, plus I can be really picky about table manners…’

As fate would have it, Alicia was put on table duty, the role with most interaction with our guests. In the busy flurry of a January morning with over 1,200 meals served, any time to notice table manners was soon forgotten, and in only two short hours, Alicia felt she had a life changing experience.

‘Everyone was just so nice,’ Alicia recalls. ‘Everyone I smiled at, smiled back. People thanked me all the time. The people I saw around the tables were not who I expected to see in a soup kitchen. The whole experience just blew me away.’

Shortly after her morning volunteering, Alicia decided to donate. She sold some books on Amazon and donated the profits to the soup kitchen. As the months passed, she found herself donating more – more money, more time, more attention. A little over a year on, Alicia has made a series of videos promoting the soup kitchen, spear headed several social media drives and continues to be a generous donor. Oh, and she types up work from the writers’ workshop as well.

‘It’s kind of an addiction, I admit it,’ she says, laughing. ‘I just love the soup kitchen and what you guys do. As I got to know it better, I grew to love it more. It’s a well oiled machine that doesn’t feel like a machine at all. I’m proud to be a part of it.’

Like most New Yorkers, Alicia encounters the problems of homelessness and hunger in her daily life, which she finds reinforces her connection with the soup kitchen. ‘Walking through midtown, riding the subway – these issues are ones I see all around me,’ she says. ‘I’ve been given a lot of opportunity in my life. You can think you’re immune to these problems but we’re all only ever a step away from a terrible phonecall that can change our lives forever. It’s so important to give back.’

In honor of What You Can Do's screening at the Manhattan Film Festival, here are some other ideas

This Saturday, June 22nd, What You Can Do's video "Help Fight Hunger in New York City" will be screening at The Manhattan Film Festival at 2pm.  In honor of our video that highlights NYC organization, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, we wanted to give you simple one minute ways that you can help fight hunger in New York City.

Be sure to join us at the festival, and to share your one minute ideas on how you can help combat hunger.

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Starring: Melissa Jernigan & Greg Gallagher
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Statistical Information provided by: City Harvest, http://www.cityharvest.org
Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission
Special Thanks: Heather Wallace and everyone at City Harvest, and Dennis Arinella

For more information on What You Can Do, please visit:
Website - http://www.whatyoucando.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/whatyoucando
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/whatyoucando
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/whatyoucando365
Vlog - http://www.youtube.com/unstoppableminute
Pintrest - http://www.pinterest.com/1minette

Urban Gardening for Earth Day!

This April, to honor Earth Day, I have decided to start an indoor garden at the office. Unlike my previous gardening ventures, I’ll be going the extra mile to make this endeavor a one green.

Since moving to the city, I’ve been perpetually pouting about how I can’t have plants or grow veggies or herbs because of my small city apartment situation, and my ever present dilemma of having no outdoor space to call my own. However, after browsing around online at what other inspiring individuals are doing, I have come to realize that I have no excuse not to do something that gives me so much joy because I just don’t think I can.  So here it goes, my first attempt at urban gardening. After all, all you really need is a window and some sunshine, which it appears we will be receiving on a more regular basis. Finally!

I’d also like to preface this undertaking by admitting that I haven’t done that much digging in the soil. At all. I helped my Mom when I was younger, and that was fun but I didn’t retain any wisdom about how to do it right. Then in college, to fill the void of a pet, I thought a large succulent garden might do the trick. Only problem is that they require the least amount of attention in the plant world, but I wanted to give them a lot of attention since they were serving as my "pet". This resulted in imminent death by over-watering. Lesson learned. However, I feel like I’m ready to take this on and maybe do it right this time!

Let me kick this project off with the Earth Day-inspired reasons behind it. First and foremost would be the benefits of having plants indoors. We all know that trees are the lungs of our planet, which is why we should bring the best natural air producer and filter into our homes and offices. Research shows that rooms with plants contain 50-60% fewer airborne molds and bacteria than rooms without!

Another interesting fact I stumbled upon is that plants can actually cool a room. Good info to know as we’re heading into some toasty times.

Now that we know that they’re aren’t any good reasons not to have plants indoors, save those that are toxic to your pets (please note these lists of plants Fluffy and Cujo will not like at all), let’s get started!

Read on to see which houseplants are best to filter the air (not only producing oxygen from CO2, but also absorbing benzene, formaldehyde and/or trichloroethylene.)

First thing I did following my research was make a list of the plants I wanted to grow based on their benefits, tastiness, aroma, and maintenance requirements. I came up with the following list to start with:

Basil (Genovese) – Smells great, easy to grow, delicious in so many dishes!

Cilantro – I’m not one of those people who thinks it tastes like soap, so bring it on! Cilantro does not transplant well. When you grow cilantro indoors start with seeds or starter plants. Ultimately, make sure that your plants are 3 – 4 inches apart.

Parsley – Foliage looks great! According to many sources, the hard casing of the seed make it a tricky one to germinate. I heeded the advice to soak the seeds in warm water for 24hrs. so I will report back with my findings.

Sweet peas – Delicate, beautiful, and oh so sweet! Apparently, some people have the knack for growing them and others don’t. Pressure!

After deciding what to plant, next step it deciding what green materials do the planting in. I decided to go with water bottles that were in the recycling bin at home, along with a recycled egg carton and milk carton and two terracotta pots that I painted. I also learned that terracotta is made of natural materials and being that it is porous, you will never encounter an issue with over watering(we’ll see about that).

Next step, get your hands dirty and start planting the seeds.

Prior to the step that’s actually considered the gardening part, it occurred to me that while I have a vested interest in gardening, my knowledge of how to actually execute it was nil. Back to the computer I went.

After learning the most basic gardening terms that I’m too embarrassed to mention, I finally got the seeds in the dirt, labeled them with cut-up pieces of cardboard, and watered. Now we wait!

I’ll keep you posted about my gardening adventures throughout the month. If you have any questions, or tips(please, please I need some tips!) feel free to write in.

My hope is that this will inspire you to garden, or figure out a way to do whatever your hobby is, despite your environmental limitations. Plants are beautiful, air-purifying, mind-soothing reminders of how amazing our planet is. Even if you’re living in a concrete jungle, you can still get your hands in the dirt and feel that much needed and awesome connection to the Earth! So, happy gardening!

What You Can Do November 2012 Campaign with Holy Apostles Soup Ktichen

Jessica announces What You Can Do's campaign with The Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. Help us reach our goal of 2500 meals by "liking" the Holy Apostles on Facebook.  Every "like" means 1 meal for a New Yorker in need, so visit http://www.Facebook.com/HolyApostlesSoupKitchen and like them now.

Starring:

Jessica Arinella

Produced by - On the Leesh Productions

Shot by - Amanda Blohm

Edited by - Cassandra Lizaire

What You Can Do:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/whatyoucando

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/whatyoucando

Other YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.coom/whatyoucando365

Blog - http://www.whatyoucandoseries.blogspot.com

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/1minette

Website - http://www.whatyoucando.com

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen - 

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/holyapostlessoupkitchen

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/holyapostlesnyc

Website - http://www.holyapostlessoupkitchen.org

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What You Can Do: Hurricane Sandy Relief

Jessica informs viewers of the many ways they can help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Learn one minute ways to help, as well as information about incredible organizations that need your help too.

Text RedCross to 90999

Visit - www.charitynavigator.com to find organizations that are helping with Hurricane Sandy relief

Volunteer opportunities in NY and NJ - http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/

To help pets - http://humanesocietyny.org

Food Rescue in NYC - www.cityharvest.org

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Facebook - www.facebook.com/whatyoucando

Twitter - www.twitter.com/whatyoucando

What You Can Do YouTube Channel - www.youtube.coom/whatyoucando365

Unstoppable Minute YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/unstoppableminute

Blog - www.whatyoucandoseries.blogspot.com

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/1minette

Website - www.whatyoucando.com

Get to know Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen

Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen is the second largest soup kitchen in the country, and the largest in New York City.  Watch this video to learn more about Holy Apostles and their efforts to help the people of New York.

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 Featuring - Rev. Glenn Chalmers, Yvonne Cassidy, Michael Ottley, Charles Dennis Jr., and Fred Street
Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Shot by - Amanda Blohm and Alicia Arinella
Produced by - On the Leesh Productions, Inc.
Music by - Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by - SCG Creative Group
Additional Footage Provided by - Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks: Yvonne Cassidy, Naosie McGee, Rev. Glenn Chalmers, Michael Ottley, Charles Dennis Jr., Fred Street and everyone at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do:
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Check out our Website
Watch videos on our YouTube channel
Check out our Vlog
Follow us on Pinterest

 For more information about Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen:
Like them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter
Visit their Website

Help Feed the Hungry of New York

Right now New Yorkers are battling hunger more than ever, and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy will only cause those numbers to rise.

Many of us want to help but aren't sure how to do so.  By liking the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Facebook page, you can help fund meals for hungry New Yorkers.

Watch this video to find out more about what you can do to help.

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Starring - Alicia Arinella
Directed by - Jessica Arinella
Written by - Jessica Arinella & Cassandra Lizaire
Shot by - Amanda Blohm
Edited by - Alicia Arinella
Music by - Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo by - SCG Creative Group

Like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/whatyoucando
Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/whatyoucando
Watch more videos on YouTube - www.youtube.com/whatyoucando365
Check out our Vlog - www.youtube.com/unstoppableminute
Follow us on Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/1minette
Visit our website - www.whatyoucando.com

Delicious Without Cooking and Fun Without Electricity

Wherever you’re reading this from, you might just agree with me that this weekend was hot. Extremely hot. The kind of hot that gets you nervous about the whole global warming thing.

In this kind of weather, hot meals sound pretty unappealing, as does cooking because it will just make your small Brooklyn apartment feel even more like an oven. So in these scorching months, I think salads are the way to go! Not only are they healthy and delicious, depending on what you put on them, they might require no cooking at all. You’ll also save a ton of money if you purchase the goodies to top them off with in bulk at the store or local farmers market. The salad restaurants can cost an arm and a leg if you like about 10 toppings like I do!

Here’s a list I’ve come up with for some excellent, no need to cook, toppings for your super healthy summer salad:

Kale

Corn

Black beans

Jicama

Craisins

Fresh berries

Almonds (or any nut that you enjoy)

Cheese

Croutons (my personal favorite)

Edamame

Sesame sticks

Canned tuna

Tomatoes

Salsa/mango salsa

Mandarin Oranges

Avocado/Guacamole

Mix and match these for countless flavor combinations, and you’ll never eat a boring salad again!

Now all you need is the dressing, although with toppings this good, you could probably skip it!

Here’s a couple recipes for simple, healthy dressings to make at home:

Basil Vinaigrette Dressing

Ingredients

         1 cup olive oil

         1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

         1/4 cup honey

         3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

         2 cloves garlic, minced

http://bit.ly/MdFR0a

Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing

Ingredients

         1 cup olive oil

         1/4 cup soy sauce

         1 lemon, juiced

         3 cloves garlic, minced

         3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root

         1 teaspoon prepared Dijon-style mustard

         2 teaspoons honey

         ground black pepper to taste

http://bit.ly/L42KCq

Now all you need to follow up your refreshing and healthy salad is a fun activity that will keep you cool and doesn’t require much electricity.

Here are a few of my favorites, or some ideas that I’ll be trying out this season:

Board games

Nighttime or early morning walks

Water balloons

Gardening

Arts and Crafts

Frisbee

Swimming

Yoga – inside or out

Letter writing

…and of course, going out for ice cream!

Summer is my favorite season because it’s my personal reminder to slow down (because you really can’t move too fast in the heat) and enjoy the simple things. Nothing sounds better to me in the summer than fresh fruit, or a cool salad. Also, I love going outside, when it’s not too hot, and enjoying nature. While I know not everyone is with me on this, I’m not a fan of just staying in the air-conditioning, so it’s a fun challenge to discover new and fun ways to beat but also enjoy the heat. As long as you put the sunscreen on and stay hydrated, I say enjoy the summer!

7 Cool Ways to Beat the Heat

Get your shorts on folks! It’s a soupy 89 degrees in the concrete jungle today, and boy does it feel hot! I always like to brag about how I can handle the heat after spending 6 years in the desert in Tucson, AZ. However, it’s pretty easy to handle 115 degrees when you’re either in an over air-conditioned building, or floating on a raft in a pool with a cool beverage in your hand. This 80% humidity business is really throwing me for a loop! I’m finding that I need to get a little more creative to stay cool in the city.

Here’s a few things that I’m doing, and hopefully you’ll find some of these tips useful no matter where in the world you spend your hot months.

1. First and foremost – drink lots of water!

I, of course, learned this lesson the hard way roughing it out in the desert. When I moved to NYC, I was honestly very surprised by how much less water people are drinking, and how much less I started drinking myself. But seriously folks, let’s just stay hydrated! Also, throw in some beverages with electrolytes every now and then, and eat some salty snacks (healthy ones!) that will help you retain some of that water you’re drinking.

2. Get efficient with your at home cooling methods.

I’m in a new apartment in Brooklyn, and instead of a window I just have a skylight in my bedroom. Crazy I know! Where am I supposed to put the window box air conditioner?

This past weekend I broke down and bought a standing fan that’s energy efficient, and it does the trick! If you are lucky and have A/C, keep that thermostat at 78! Here are some more tips and tricks about staying cool in your home.

http://bit.ly/K9zleL

3. Turn you lights off when you don’t need them!

Living in a relatively small apartment, you quickly realize that your lights generate a surprising amount of heat. Here’s a quick fix – turn those suckers off when you don’t need them or when you leave the room! This will keep you cooler, and happier when you receive your electric bill.

4. Treat yourself to some cooling treats!

I love watermelon. If there was a watermelon contest I could enter, I know I’d be pretty stiff competition. If you enjoy watermelon half as much as I do, slice one up and enjoy, and you’ll be hydrating yourself at the same time.

Spice things up! Eating spicy foods causes your body to perspire, which is its natural way of cooling itself. So pass that spicy salsa!

Break out the mint! Throw some in a glass of iced water with some slices of cucumber, or make a delicious mojito. The mint, which has a natural cooling effect, will counteract the warming effects of the alcohol. 

Check out this site for more great ideas on summer treats!

http://on-msn.com/Lcgqfw

5. Protect yourself!

Staying cool in the summer also means looking cool, which to me means taking the necessary precautions to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. I have pretty fair skin and have known from an early age that I’m at high risk for skin cancer. I have formed a few good habits by treating sunscreen like lotion for my face and body in the morning. Just make it part of your routine, and you’re less likely to forget. Also, keep a travel size of sunscreen with you at all times, because you never know when you might be outside for an extended period of time.

Oh yes, and don’t forget your shades. Yes they do make you look fabulous, but they’re also performing an incredibly important function, so don’t forget them! Keep a cheap pair in your car or office, just in you’re caught without them.

6. Have fun outside!

This might just be me, but more than half of the time in the summer months, it feels much better outside in the fresh air than inside. Especially in the early mornings and evenings. If you’ve got your sun protection on, go for a jog, have a picnic in the park, a day at the beach, or an evening stroll. I hate being cooped up all winter, so in the summer I like to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!

7. Go see a movie!

I know this completely contradicts my previous tip but…movie theatres are freezing! I always have to bring a sweater when I catch a flick! What better way to beat the heat than by enjoying a summer blockbuster in an oversized icebox? Save some money and catch a matinee – they’re during the warmest part of the day anyway, so might as well!

Stay cool out there, and enjoy the summer!!!

Have some tips for me? Please share, I’d love to hear them!

Honoring 9/11

Think there’s nothing you can do to help commemorate the memory of 9/11 in one minute?

Starring: Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella & Cassandra Lizaire
Shot by: Cassandra Lizaire
Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Special Thanks:
Martin Blair and everyone at The 9/11 Healing and Remembrance Program, & Dennis Arinella

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Students Help Fight Hunger in NYC

Think you can't help fight Hunger in NYC in 1 Minute? Watch this.

Starring - Keanna McGarrell
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited, and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information Provided by: City Harvest, www.cityharvest.org

Special Thanks: Heather Wallace, and everyone at City Harvest, Griselda Garcia and everyone at The New York Daily News, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Help Fight Hunger in NYC This Holiday Season

Think there's nothing you can do to Help Fight Hunger in New York City in 1 Minute?

Starring - Jack Halaby
Written by -  Jessica Arinella & Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by - Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistics Provided by: City Harvest, www.cityharvest.org

Special Thanks: Heather Wallace and everyone at City Harvest, Griselda Garcia and everyone at The Daily News, James Long and everyone at the FDNY, and Dennis Arinella

For more information, please visit - www.whatyoucando365.com

Once Again, A Thank You to the FDNY

A special thank you must be given, once again, to Lt. Jack Halaby, Sophy Medina, Jim Long and everyone at the FDNY who made our Fire Prevention Week. possible.

What You Can Do presents: Prevent a Fire In Your Home

Action Link: http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/fire_safety_downloads.shtml

Starring: Lt. Jack Halaby
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistics Provided by: FDNY nyc.gov/FDNY

Special Thanks:
Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Fire Escape Plan

Action Link: FDNY

Starring: Jack Halaby and Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission


Statistics Provided by: FDNY



Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Practice A 911 Call

Action Link: http://nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/fire_safety_downloads.shtml

Starring: Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission


Statistics Provided by: FDNY nyc.gov/FDNY

Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Test Your Smoke Alarm

Action Link: FDNY

Starring: Jack Halaby and Sophy Medina
Written by: Jessica Arinella and Julie Tortorici
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistical Information provided by: FDNY

Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY

Dennis Arinella

What You Can Do presents: Prevent A Kitchen Fire

Action Link: FDNY

Starring: Lt. Jack Halaby
Written by: Julie Tortorici & Jessica Arinella
Shot, Edited and Directed by: Alicia Arinella
Produced by: On the Leesh Productions
Music by: Banana Whale
What You Can Do Logo Created by: SCG Siddharth Creative Group

Additional Footage Provided by: Shutterstock, Inc. Used by Permission

Statistics Provided by: FDNY


Special Thanks: Jim Long, Emily Rahimi, Engine 247,and everyone at the FDNY
Dennis Arinella

Fire Prevention Week

Being a New Yorker and a hot blooded female to boot, I have always had a strong admiration and respect for New York’s Bravest. When I was creating the idea of What You Can Do, I often dreamed how amazing it would be to somehow get the FDNY involved. No one can argue that in the ‘making the world a better place category’ firefighters are certainly up there in the top 10. And the FDNY is one of the bravest and best fire departments in the country.
Thanks to some great friends the dream in now a reality.

Fire Prevention Week is Oct 3-9 and What You Can Do has teamed up with the FDNY to create a week of videos that highlight fire safety issues, and one minute ideas that illustrate how to help keep you and your family safe.
A special thank you must be given to Lt. Jack Halaby, Sophy Medina, Jim Long and everyone at the FDNY who made this week possible for us.


Written by What You Can Do Creator Jessica Arinella