After living in Syracuse all his life, John DeSantis knows the city pretty well. He attended Syracuse University, and unlike his friends, stuck around after graduation. He knew the city had something to offer.

DeSantis saw an overwhelmingly negative public perception of Syracuse, and this led him to found Believe in Syracuse. The nonprofit will host its fifth birthday party on Friday at the Landmark Theatre from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The organization works to attract and retain residents because they believe in the charm of Syracuse.

“Syracuse is the best of both worlds,” DeSantis said. “You can be in Armory Square enjoying arts and culture and then you can drive fifteen minutes and be picking apples at Beak & Skiff.”

In the organization’s five years, it’s hosted events to bring the diverse residents of Syracuse together. One example is the Clean Lake Party in the Park, which took place in July 2015 to celebrate the newly-cleaned Onondaga Lake. They also organize community service initiatives, including regular drives to help those in need.

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve done,” DeSantis said.

Each year, Believe in Syracuse holds a birthday event to celebrate its achievements and provide a place for residents to learn more about the city and local businesses. This year, there will be 80 different vendors present.

“It’s a great way to see all that Syracuse has to offer,” said event coordinator Mery Liranzo Nieves. “The celebration helps local businesses get exposure and educates Syracuse residents (about their community).”

There will be a variety of local restaurants, breweries, arts and crafts vendors, nonprofits and employers. The event’s sponsors include BlueRock Energy, Beer Belly Deli and Byrne Hollow Farm.

The organization announced on Jan. 23 via a press release that Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh RSVP’d to attend the celebration. There will also be a live performance from well-known Syracuse musician and Common Councilor Joe Driscoll.

Each annual celebration has seen an increasing number of attendees present, with last year’s celebration bringing in over 1,200 people. The organizers fully expect this to be their biggest and best celebration to date.

Vendor space is sold out and DeSantis expects the tickets will sell out soon. Tickets are $10 and all of the proceeds will be used for Believe in Syracuse’s community service initiatives.

Aside from the samples that will be offered, attendees will have an opportunity to network. AP Professionals, an organization that links employers with potential employees, will be in attendance.

Believe in Syracuse offers internship positions during the year as well. Taylor Krzeminski, current intern and Syracuse University sophomore, said this event allows students to get involved with the organization and the city of Syracuse in general, breaking out of the SU bubble.

“I know that a lot of students have this specific image of Syracuse that’s just the school and not a lot about the town,” Krzeminski said. “So I’m hoping it opens up people’s eyes about the community.”

Published on January 24, 2018 at 8:42 pm

rtanweer@syr.edu