Big Apple Greeter

I have a particularly personal link to Big Apple Greeter: My mom started the program 30+ years ago as a way to help visitors see New York City through the eyes of the people who live in and love this city. Her perseverance - and the support of hundreds of New Yorkers who shared her vision - has resulted in a program that has helped build bridges between thousands of people coming to NYC and spawned 150+ programs around the world. We are all better for her vision!!

Big Apple Greeter serves a unique role in New York City's life. For so many visitors Big Apple through the years has been able to show the sunny side of the Big Apple. Manhattan is of course a shining gem and a World capital with world class delights, cultural attractions, educational and entertainment opportunities but Big Apple Greeters through it's volunteers and programs has opened up the rest of the city to visitors, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx and Staten Island and because of their efforts folks walk away with a special personalized experience. Folks carry with them a love an affection for New York they would not have otherwise.

I am lucky to run the two all news radio stations in New York City. They are an integral part of the fabric of the Big Apple. AND SO IS BIG APPLE GREETER. A news station spends much of its time delivering news that is usually not too happy. But one of the stories we have been able to report on is this great volunteer organization that is devoted to showing people who visit our city just how GRAND it is. There can't be a better way to make the image of NYC glitter than the personal touch that Big Apple Greeters have with visitors. I know that visitors leave our city with a warm glow and memories they will always cherish because of the caring, personable and attentive sharing provided by the Big Apple volunteers. And, now being on the Board of Directors, I see first hand the caring, passion and enthusiasm the volunteers have. It is an honor to know that New Yorkers care so much about showing off their city and spend hours of their own time making wonderful experiences for those who visit New York.

Everyone who comes to New York should see all the wonderful and high profile venues it has to offer. But if they also want to experience the Big Apple from a real New Yorker's point of view, they should take a neighborhood tour from a Big Apple Greeter (BAG) volunteer. BAG is a magical and unrivaled New York "happening" that takes you behind the scenes in places you would never get to visit otherwise. BAG leaves you with an emotional attachment to the widely varied and unique neighborhoods that make up a City where over 106 languages are spoken each day. Big Apple Greeter doesn't sugar coat New York, but will nonetheless leave a visitor with sweet memories!