FUNKE HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL “HALLOWEEN IN THE HALLWAY” EVENT AT SCHOOL 45

Senator Rich Funke tonight hosted his second annual Halloween in the Hallway event, a safe trick-or-treat experience for students at the Rochester City School District (RCSD) School No. 45. Nearly 500 children attended to enjoy candy and fresh apple give-aways, face-paintings, and Halloween-themed games like Pin the Tail on the Pumpkin, Pumpkin Bowling, and Donuts on a String.

“I’m proud to have partnered with the Rochester City School District, Time Warner Cable, and Foodlink to host our 2^ndannual Halloween in the Hallway tonight at School 45,” said Funke. “Every kid deserves a safe trick-or-treating experience for Halloween, and I’m grateful to our partners for providing free candy, games, and activities at no cost to taxpayers. I hope families all across our community enjoy a safe and spook-tacular Halloween this weekend!”

Thanks to the generosity of community partners, features at the event were provided at no cost to taxpayers. Supporters of Halloween in the Hallway include: RCSD, Time Warner Cable, Foodlink, Wegmans, the Rochester Police Department, Monroe Community College, the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, ESL Federal Credit Union, NeighborWorks, and Boy Scouts of America - Seneca Waterways Council, among others.

“We are delighted that Senator Funke is hosting a Halloween party for our families once again,” said RCSD SuperintendentBarbara Deane-Williams. “We appreciate the generosity of all the community partners involved who will provide a safe environment for our children to participate in fun activities at School No. 45, which has proven to be the school’s biggest event of the year.”

“School 45 is excited to host an event in our school that will bring our whole community together for the children,” saidRhonda Morien, Principal of School No. 45.  “This was a great opportunity for our 7th and 8th grade leaders to organize and lead an event for the younger kids while learning the value of giving back to their community. We are so thankful for all of the local businesses who made donations to help make this a success!”

“Foodlink is thrilled to partner with Senator Funke and RCSD on this event," said Mitch Gruber, Director of Programs & Innovation, Foodlink, " In addition to being a fun holiday, Halloween is a great way to show students and families some of the fantastic agriculture that surrounds us in Rochester, like the beautiful pumpkins and delicious apples we provided.”

"We're delighted to partner with Senator Funke for this festive event,” said Mark Fitchett, AVP of Operations for Time Warner Cable, Western New York. “It's a great way for families to enjoy Halloween treats and games in a safe environment."

In preparation for the Halloween holiday, Funke also offers families the following tips to enjoy a safe trick-or-treat experience:

•          Discard any unwrapped candy or anything that looks questionable or unsafe
•          Avoid wearing costumes made of flammable materials
•          After dark, wear light colored clothing or illuminating tape
•          Don’t burn pumpkin candles unattended, or opt for battery powered candles
•          Place automobiles in the garage, driveway, or backyard if necessary
•          Have children trick-or-treat in groups, preferably supervised by an adult
•         Use face paint instead of masks to reduce the likelihood of impaired vision
•         Visit only the homes of friends or people in the neighborhood that you know
•         Transfer movable outdoor items such as flowerpots to the house or garage

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