Celebrating Another Summer of Block Parties: The Decision Project Expansion
Infinite Legacy team members handing out The Decision Project backpacks at the District Heights, MD, Block Party.
Throughout the summer, our free block parties are presented by Infinite Legacy and The Decision Project (TDP), a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals in Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia to make informed decisions about organ, eye and tissue donation. TDP is expanding with Ieesha Johnson as the executive director.
“One of the most powerful things we hear from attendees is that Infinite Legacy feels more present and responsive to the community than many traditional systems. Our block parties create spaces where people feel supported, connected, and genuinely cared for.” – Ieesha Johnson, Executive Director, The Decision Project
At our Block Parties, TDP engages with community members, answers questions and raises awareness about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donors. We are excited about the expansion of TDP and for a summer of Block Parties!
Upcoming Block Party dates include:
- Saturday, May 9, Summers in Seven Corners
- Saturday, May 30, Summers in Prince George’s
- Saturday, June 27, Summers in the District
- Saturday, July 12, Summers in White Oak
- Saturday, August 8, Summers in the Seventh
The History of Infinite Legacy’s Block Parties
Infinite Legacy has held Block Parties for more than eight years and these events will continue to be a vital part of our community outreach efforts. Our first Block Party was held in 2018 and originally started smaller with the main focus of taking care of the communities we serve.
We have now grown our block parties to encompass different areas in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Adam Falzarano, supervisor, communications & marketing, has been with Infinite Legacy for nine years and has seen the continued growth of our Block Parties and the impact our resources, vendors and activities have on our attendees.
“It’s been incredible to see how these block parties have grown through the years. What started as a way to engage with a single community has grown into an initiative to deliver needed resources and build trust. The most important aspect of these block parties is the consistency. Building trust and equity within these communities takes time and effort, and from the beginning the goal of ‘The Decision Project’ was to provide continuous support. We needed to show up and we have done that year after year.” – Adam Falzarano, Supervisor, Communications & Marketing
What to Expect at Infinite Legacy’s Block Parties
You will find our Community Outreach team, The Decision Project and volunteers working at our Block Parties. They are the ones who help organize, set up our events and spark conversations about Infinite Legacy’s mission and impact on the community. Volunteers are often transplant recipients, donor families, living donors or people who have a personal connection to organ donation. They often share their stories and the powerful impact donation has on their lives.
We are also there to spark conversations about end-of-life decisions. We understand and recognize death is difficult to talk about and that’s why we are here to help and offer tips on how to have those important conversations with family members or loved ones. Increasing organ donation awareness and education is vital in helping save lives.
Did You Know? One organ, eye and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and save and heal more than 75 lives.
Educating Local Communities on Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation: Resources, Activities, Vendors and More
In addition to Infinite Legacy being a resource to our communities about organ, eye and tissue donation, we invite other local vendors to participate and raise awareness about their missions and how they actively work within our communities. Vendors are there to answer questions and share their critical resources to support our communities.
“We are adding more fun to our block parties this year! They will feature a new community group volunteering to braid hair, plus an exciting new talent show at the Baltimore Block Party. We will also have a new location for our Prince George’s County Block Party.” -Latrice Price, Supervisor, Community Outreach
Our communities come first, and we want to ensure there are different vendors and activities for different community needs. We want everyone at our Block Party to have fun so you can expect family-friendly activities too. Kids can often enjoy face painting, an arts and crafts station, a live DJ and delicious snacks. All are welcome!
New vendors include:
- Simply Different Styles – (providing free haircuts)
- ICNA Relief – (health screenings)
- Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging – (health screenings)
- Kaiser Mobile Unit – (health screenings)
- Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center – (information on the center’s resources)
- HACAN – (child abuse education, intervention and community advocacy)
- Maxey’s – (CPR education)
- Inova Cares – (low-cost clinic information)
- Fairfax County DFS – (public assistance and employment)
- Aetna (clinic information)
Our Next Block Party: Stay Connected to Infinite Legacy Events
Register for our upcoming Block Parties in Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. We hope to see you there!