The PDees Host Thanksgiving Fundraiser in Glen Cove

A local group known as the Presidential Dimes, or “PDees,” held their second annual basketball tournament and Thanksgiving food drive in Glen Cove on Nov. 18. The provided a venue for the event.

The PDees comprise a group of young woman, ages 22-25, who work at event planning and promotion, image consulting, career management and personal shopping. The group's seven co-founders are Kenashia Douglas, Maia Williams, Sandy Depeine, Shaquasia Roberts, Elisa Burton, Shakara Barnes and Janae Mingo.

Their goal was to feed at least 100 families and let the community have a good time doing it, organizers said.

“We wanted to use our basketball tournament to give back to where we came from," said Williams, the event coordinator. "We do events all over New York but we feel not enough happens out here.” 

Douglas agreed: “I feel that we are at a good age to be able to give those younger than us a positive influence to do something better with their time and staying out of the streets," she said. "Basketball is one way we get the younger people involved.”

Douglas is the sister of international R&B star, and former Glen Cove resident, Ashanti.

A large crowd was on hand for the tournament, which featured a game between two teams: one from Queens; the other, Glen Cove. The crowd got into the action:

"This game is such a huge competition,” said Tymell Jones, a supporter of the program. “It’s all in fun at the same time; good to watch.”

The Queens team took the title, but local folks in need of some assistance were the real winners of the event.

For updates, and to learn more about The Presidency, visit their Web site, or contact them at pdeesofny@gmail.com.