By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — Upper Manhattan residents went retro Monday night as they competed in a Connect Four tournament for charity at Piper’s Kilt on Broadway.
Organizers raised money to support the DOVE Domestic and Other Violence Emergencies program at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Olga Shmaidenko, a DOVE executive committee member, was excited to play a round of Connect Four with friends and spread the word about the program.
“Ultimately it helps the people who really need it, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Shmaidenko said.
The tournament, now in its second year, has served as a great way to boost awareness, DOVE committee member Renata Zablocka said
“There are a lot of people in our community who need help and they don’t even know there is someone to help them,” Zablocka said.
The tournament cost $15 a person to enter and drink specials were offered at registration. The event raised $450 for the charity on Monday.
Inwood resident Katy Stevens won a $30 gift certificate for neighborhood restaurant Hashi, one of several gift certificates donated by local restaurants, stores and exercise studios.
“People are having a good time, but they are also doing something very good for our community,” Zablocka added.
Inwood resident Suzanne Taylor enjoyed meeting and connecting with like-minded people who also live in the area.
“I didn’t win Connect Four or a raffle prize,” Taylor said. “but I had a great time.”
Piper’s Kilt will host two more Connect Four tournaments on Sept. 20 and 27.
