Press Release:

The Bowery has gone through many changes since the Mission first opened their doors to the homeless 130 years ago. The Bowery Mission will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its historic Chapel on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 1pm. The event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market and will be hosted by special guest emcee Paula Zahn, Producer, Discovery Communications.

Bowery Mission supporters from government, corporations and the religious community will join the celebration. Confirmed guest speakers include: New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly; Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Robert Hess; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; Whole Foods Market Northeast Region President Christina Minardi and New Museum Director Lisa Phillips.

Seventeen local artists have been inspired by life on the Bowery and have captured itís essence in their work, which will be on display - "Now and Then: Life on the Bowery" - www.boweryneighbors.org. Rebecca Lepkoff has documented life under the elevated train back to the 1930's and Alex Harsley, whose work gives us an idea of the people who once lived here. In addition, vintage photographs will be on display from the collection of Jeremy Rowe, dating back to the early 1900's.

The ceremony will also include music from Broadway performer Nina Negri (Les Miserables) and Lower East Side jazz artist Steve Elson. Free historic tours of The Bowery Mission will be available - www.bowery.org/anniversary.

Step back in time and join us for a Celebration of the Bowery Mission Chapel, and stay to enjoy what the Bowery once was and what is now. Refreshments will be provided by Veselka Restaurant for the extended Exhibit hours on Saturday Nov 7th and Sunday Nov 8th.