March 20, 2021, New York, NY – RTW Charitable Foundation (RTWCF), and New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) today hosted a “Family Fair” block party to educate NICE members about the COVID-19 vaccine: it’s safety, efficacy and how to access it. NICE is headquartered in Jackson Heights, Queens, which was the early epicenter of the original outbreak and has also suffered significantly from the resulting recession.
The family-focused event featured activities for children, including gifts from The Mets and an appearance by Mr. Met, a grocery distribution and hot meals provided by local street vendors.
Founded as the charitable foundation arm of RTW Investments, LP, a leading healthcare-focused entrepreneurial investment firm with deep scientific expertise and a strong track record of supporting companies developing life-changing therapies, RTWCF partners with organizations conducting disease research and championing humanitarian causes.
While RTWCF’s initial focus is on rare disease research, last year RTWCF quickly redirected its first round of funding to combat the devastating effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on many communities in New York City, with $1 million of gifts across 12 organizations. The lion’s share of the funding was awarded to 10 community-based organizations on the frontlines of some of the hardest-hit areas in the city. RTWCF is partnering with NICE on providing vaccine education and access and addressing food insecurity.
“RTW Charitable Foundation seeks to use scientific advancements to further humanitarian efforts, and today’s event is a great example of this work in action,” said Deborah Slipetz, Vice President of RTW Charitable Foundation. “In New York City and across the nation, communities of color have borne the brunt of COVID-19, and yet so far nearly 60% of vaccines have gone to white residents of New York City, who make up approximately 43% of the City’s population. We are honored to be partnering with NICE to address this disparity and help ensure that every resident of this city has the same scientific information and access to the vaccine regardless of race, income or immigration status.”
“Immigrant workers and their families have been the hardest hit. They are already a particularly vulnerable group, living at the intersection of limited workforce development opportunity, poverty, anti-immigrant practices, and limited access to healthcare. They are essential workers on the frontlines and have been infected and exposed to COVID-19 at higher rates. NICE is proud to stand alongside our members and support them through this dangerous landscape. We are grateful to RTW Charitable Foundation for their investment in bringing vaccine education and food access to the community,” said Manuel Castro, executive director of New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE).
"The COVID-19 crisis hit our community the hardest, earning us the nickname, "the epicenter of the epicenter." As the infection rates and death toll soared in the height of the pandemic, the financial devastation also gutted our neighborhoods. This was especially detrimental to the immigrant and undocumented communities, many of whom lost their jobs and were ineligible for any governmental assistance. Therefore, the work of charitable organizations such as RTW Charitable Foundation and community organizations such as NICE are imperative for the survival of our community and its most vulnerable members. I am so incredibly grateful to both organizations for their assistance and partnership in helping us through this very difficult time," said New York State Assemblymember Catalina Cruz.
“Communities of color and immigrant communities have suffered historical trauma that has left them understandably skeptical of our government. The lack of access to the vaccine has been further compounded by the lack of access to food at this difficult time,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. “This partnership will bring necessary education and access to vaccines and access to food to our neighborhoods, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. I am grateful to the RTW Charitable Foundation and New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) for their dedication to our communities.”
The day was one in a series of events RTWCF has held with grantees across the City. The final event will take place in Manhattan’s Chinatown on Friday, March 26th from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Send Chinatown Love, Think!Chinatown, Welcome to Chinatown and RTWCF will construct and paint outdoor dining spaces for Asian- and locally-owned restaurants, which have faced significant financial losses during the pandemic.
About RTW Charitable Foundation
Founded in 2018 as the philanthropic arm of RTW Investments, LP, RTW Foundation works to power community initiatives and provide scientific advising to improve the health of underserved populations. The Foundation supports the development of medicines for neglected rare diseases, empowers youth to explore careers in science, biotechnology, and medicine, and builds partnerships with local organizations to advance health equity in New York City. To learn more, visit www.rtwf.org.