On Saturday, December 15, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz welcomed 3,000 children, their parents and guardians, and more than 200 volunteers at the Best of Brooklyn 2007 Holiday Celebration, a festive day of performances, refreshments and holiday gifts. Buses were chartered to bring the children to the Christian Cultural Center from low-income housing and shelters throughout Brooklyn.

Each child selected a new toy and new book from the gift rooms. The toys and books were generously contributed by great corporate citizens and toy drives across the borough.

The stage show included the Sesame Flyers Youth Steel Orchestra; the Gowanus Wildcats drill team; Anna Jack (guest of “Late Night with David Letterman”) and daughter Daniella with oodles of poodles; selections from “The Nutcracker” with the Brooklyn Ballet and Youth Ensemble; the Bounce Brothers; and Crowations.

This year’s theme was “Bee Merry,” with the Bee Merry Company, including the Queen Bee, Busy Bee, Bumbles Bee and Baby Bee, providing entertainment.