MOTT HAVEN, The Bronx (PIX11) — Actress La La Anthony brought the holiday spirit to the Bronx in a big way Wednesday with her annual Winter Wonderland event that spread joy to hundreds of underserved children in the borough.
Gauchos Gym in Mott Haven transformed into a dazzling holiday haven as hundreds of children from local organizations came out for some holiday fun. It was an unforgettable night filled with surprise music performances, photo booths, gift giveaways, and a holiday dinner.
“I’m having so much fun and I’m so lucky to be here,” said attendee Yangailyn Santana.
The event was organized by Actress and Entrepreneur La La Anthony’s ‘La La Land Foundation’ which aims to support underserved youth in low-income communities.
“This is my seventh annual Winter Wonderland event right here in the Bronx and it’s just giving Christmas and holiday cheer to the community during this time of the year,” Anthony said.
The children brought the house down as they danced the night away.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson highlighted the importance of providing opportunities that create joy for local families.
“When it comes to free spaces and entertainment, music, culture coming together, a lot of our families don’t have access,” said Gibson. “So, by having Winter Wonderland here in the South Bronx it reminds our young people that they are the future generation.”
She added, “… We can have fun, we can smile, we can be safe about it, and we can have a really good time.”
The event served as more than just a community celebration. Ikima Wilson of the Boys and Girls Club said the event was an inspiration for children who see Anthony — a New York native — as a role model.
“It gives them insight into what they can do,” Wilson said. “This is a lady who’s been here. Who’s been in our hood.”
She added, “The kids have somebody they can look up to. They can do the same thing.”
Anthony hopes the event will ignite a spark in children who attended the event — inspiring them to pay it forward and make a difference in their own communities.
“You see what I’m doing? Pay it forward to the next person. Do something good for the next person. So, I just want to inspire them to do good as well,” said Anthony.
Anthony is now looking forward to her next community event where she plans to give back to incarcerated youth on Rikers Island next week.
