I worked for BAG as an office volunteer just a few months after 9/11 when the city was still struggling with the aftermath of that horrible day, and trying to get visitors to return to NYC. Not only are the people behind BAG some of the most amazing, warm, friendly and welcoming people I have ever met, but they spread their love and devotion to this city among visitors from all over the world unconditionally, every day. Many of my friends and family have since used Big Apple Greeter and they were all blown away by the knowledge and passion these people bring to their visits.
BAG is undoubtedly one of the most unique and special organisations New York City has and the fact that there are "Big Apple Greeter" organisations in many big cities in the world now goes to show how important they are to the tourism concept of a destination.
Review from Guidestar
My daughter and I,looked for Big Apple Greeter because we needed some help in order to visit the wide boroughs and Harlem (we felt self-confident enaugh about the rest of Manhattan). We were writing a guidebook about New York City for Italian tourists and before the trip we had collected plenty of information. In fact the 5 Greeters we met were able to teach us more news, and - most important - to let us feel the character and peculiarity of each borough. Enthusiasm, authority and restlessness of those 5 wonderful people amazed us. Without them our book would be less complete and lively. I remember them with gratitude and love. I should love to meet them and offer my help if they came to Italy in my town Milan. Thanks Bob, Suzanne, Ed, Chafin and Deborah.
Review from Guidestar