Jacques Torres partners with March of Dimes to “Light BKLYN Purple”

Chocolate for a great cause!

With the help of chocolatier Jacques Torres, whose chocolate factory is located in Sunset Park’s Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn is prepared to light the borough purple in honor of the March of Dimes and World Prematurity Day on Thursday, November 17.

The Light BKLYN Purple initiative is intended to raise awareness of preterm birth. The March of Dimes is a global leader in the fight against premature birth, and people from all over the world will be “going purple” on World Prematurity Day and throughout the month of November.

The event is the first event hosted by the newly established March of Dimes Greater New York Brooklyn Committee, organized to raise awareness and funds in Kings County.

Bay Ridge activist John Quaglione, who is the March of Dimes Brooklyn Committee chair, expressed the importance of having an event of this kind in the borough. “We want to build awareness in Brooklyn since it is becoming a hot spot for families and to raise children, and there’s no reason Brooklyn hasn’t had its own event to support the March of Dimes,” he told this paper, adding that the day is important to him from a personal aspect. “My daughter was born prematurely so it’s close to my heart.”

Torres’ factory was chosen as the site of the event because, said Quaglione, after it was suggested by Dominick Sarta, president of the 13th Avenue Merchants Association, who is friends with the chocolatier.

“I met with Jacques to do the event at his factory rather than at a catering hall,” said Quaglione, stressing that the location would provide “something unique and fun-friendly for younger kids, parents and people who want to come and raise awareness and money.”

“I am proud to host this fundraiser in my chocolate factory with the March of Dimes as this event is close to my heart. My son and I were both born preterm,” said Torres in a statement. “I look forward to going purple on the 17th to raise awareness of the worldwide crisis of preterm birth.”

Quaglione is grateful that Torres will play an integral part in the day. “Jacques is going to be there. He’s going to be cooking some desserts, and donating some chocolate, ice cream and cookies. There will be a dessert table for guests,” he said. “He’s also going to be preparing some appetizers himself. He’s dedicated and truly invested in making the event successful.”

A tour of the chocolate factory, not open to the public, will also be available to all attendees. There will also be raffles for prizes such as a large Thanksgiving turkey.

The event will take place at the Jacques Torres Factory, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58^th Street, Building B, Suite 6H from 6 -8:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets visit marchofdimes.org/events/nycbklyn.