On August 2, as part of a community service, the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo will host members of The Butterfly Effect Project where approximately 20 young girls from the group will have the opportunity to view and learn about the animals, visit the newly established Erik’s Reptile Edventure Discovery Center and take in The One And Only Pekingese Dog Act Featuring Vanna The Baboon — Presented By David Rosaire.
Based in Riverhead, The Butterfly Effect Project is a non-profit organization that empowers underprivileged girls ages nine to 13 by giving them tools to assist them in achieving an academic, emotional stability and a self-confident future, which will bring forth a generation of women who are strong, independent and knowledgeable. The group’s mission is to ensure that every girl who is enrolled in the program has a fair chance to broaden their horizons while eliminating the normal obstacles, such as social mobility, cultural differences and finances.
In addition, the organization teaches young women life lessons such as manners, etiquette, tolerance and giving back to the community. The children have made Easter baskets that were donated to the Salvation Army and prepared sandwiches to give to the hungry and homeless in local communities. This visit to The Long Island Game Farm will provide outside educational opportunities these girls otherwise might not have had.
For the Game Farm’s Co-Owners, Diane and Melinda Novak, the goal of The Butterfly Effect Project hits close to home. As women business owners, both Diane and Melinda understand the importance of helping young girls learn and grow. For the last five years, they have hosted Girl Scout Day, in which Girl Scouts educate visitors what their organization does, create art projects with other children and perform scientific projects to help generate an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among other girls.
“We are excited to host The Butterfly Effect Project,” said Melinda Novak. “The Game Farm will give these young girls a unique educational opportunity to learn about nature and special fun facts about our animals. Their visit may also inspire them to work with animals when they grow up. It will surely be a special day they will not forget.”