NDNU's "Halloween in the Tenderloin" Marks Its 18th Year

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of Notre Dame de Namur University:

Ghosts and ghouls and goblins, oh my!

Notre Dame de Namur University’s students will bring spooky holiday cheer to the children of one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods with this year’s edition of “Halloween in the Tenderloin” on Friday, October 31 at Tenderloin Children’s Playground, 570 Ellis Street (between Leavenworth and Hyde), from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This marks the 18th year that Professor Don Stannard-Friel’s Streetwise Sociology class at NDNU has brought excitement and fun to the children and families of the Tenderloin. Dr. Don and his class anticipate 200 to 300 children to attend the event.

NDNU students work with community organizations to raise funds for event supplies, such as pumpkins and prizes, while other community organizations help promote the festival and bring children to the event. The local Boys and Girls Club will assist in finding safe sites for the evening’s trick ‘r treating, and the San Francisco Police Department – Tenderloin Station will provide security, hot dogs and drinks for this year’s event.

Although the students of Streetwise Sociology will be at the event to help, they recruit 70 other volunteers to help run the festivities. Volunteers usually include those from NDNU, as well as people from the Tenderloin and other San Francisco neighborhoods and businesses.

Volunteer may contact dstannard-friel@ndnu.edu or call Susan Curry at the Tenderloin Children’s Playground at (415)292-2162. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 2:30 p.m. to assist in setting up the venue.

Notre Dame de Namur University is a Catholic, not-for-profit, coeducational institution serving 2,000 traditional aged and adult students from diverse backgrounds. Established in 1851, by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, NDNU maintains a strong commitment to access for underserved populations, academic excellence, social justice and community engagement. The university is fully accredited and offers 40 undergraduate, graduate and credential programs. The historic, 50-acre campus is located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Silicon Valley. For more information, visit www.ndnu.edu.

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