Mary J. Blige makes special appearance in Yonkers

Popular performer Mary J. Blige, whose hometown is Yonkers, returned to the city to announce that she has joined with Purchase-based PepsiCo to launch Mary J. Blige’s “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit,” and the Pepsi x Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Community Fund. The fund will provide up to $100,000 that will be designated for distribution to local organizations whose work elevates and educates underserved women in Yonkers.

Blige made a surprise appearance at the Westchester Community College facility at the Cross County Center in Yonkers.

“Being able to come home to Yonkers to give back to and invest in the community I grew up in is all I’ve ever wanted,” Blige said. “We hope to provide resources for local organizations striving to support and uplift women for even greater impact this year.”

The fund was created in partnership with the nonprofit United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP). The money will be distributed via grants between $5,000 to $20,000 to qualifying organizations supporting programs in education, financial stability, and food security. Applications can be submitted online at UWWP’s website. There is a June 1 deadline.

Blige appeared during an event that was part of the Pepsi x Strength of a Woman Community Day, made possible by the PepsiCo Foundation, Pepsi and the YWCA of Yonkers. Participants heard from experts on wellness, confidence building and economic empowerment, followed by a shopping trip to provide the women with business essentials for workplace preparedness. The PepsiCo Foundation also donated $50,000 to the YWCA of White Plains & Central Westchester, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, and the Westchester Community College Foundation.

“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Mary J. Blige by investing in the very community that has shaped her remarkable journey,” said Kent Montgomery, senior vice president of industry relations and multicultural development at PepsiCo.