Our first wine and beer fundraiser was spectacular. No, it was first-class. Better yet, it was beyond FRESh, it was surreal.
I was humbled by the people who attended and all those who gave, but could not make it. The event is one that I will remember. Clients were there. Family were there. Friends came through. Savion blessed the spot. The food was good. The wine and beer were on deck. The fruit colas quenched our thirsts, and we all washed it down with Nicolette’s custom candy, Brown Betty’s cupcakes and Taharka Bros. ice cream.
Honestly, if I knew what it took to put on a fundraiser, I probably would’ve backed out of our event, but I am glad that I persisted through the encouragement of family, friends and clients. Sometimes others believe in you more than you believe in yourself, and at one point I was unsure of it all. But someone once said that fear of greatness is the biggest fear. One day I just threw my uncertainty out of a mental window and plowed threw not worrying about the circumstances, but following my heart.
All the bumps and bruises leading up to that moment became irrelevant. I couldn’t stop cheesing at the dozen of volunteers who worked tirelessly with little time and resources. I was so on cloud nine I can’t even tell you all of the names of the fifty or so people who showed up. I don’t remember how many hands I shook, daps I gave or how loudly I laughed when I saw this client, or that client sipping on wines or beers. I just know that when I went to bed later that evening, and I was a little bit, well maybe a bit more tipsy than I expected, I had this feeling of calm and completion.
To top it off, Savion invited some kids from across the street to join our festivities. Indeed, it was a confirmation that we were there for them; however, their presence was an affirmation for us that restoring our humanity by helping youth that are often underestimated is worth the work.
We raised almost $2,300, about half of our goal. Our first hair cuts will take place this Saturday during our Father’s Day celebration, June 15, 2013. We will cut youth who were sponsored by Newark NOW under the direction of Lavar Young. We will be passing out FREE ice cream as well. So please come and indulge and talk fatherhood and responsibility in our community.
Hats off to people who gave money from Cali, to New York, to Philly, B-More, and my folks in East Orange, Orange, Piscataway, and beloved Newark. Here are photos of the evening’s activities. Below is a list of volunteers and event donors that were a part of this magical night and powerful initiative.
Be FRESh
Volunteers, Event Donors Partners: Yolanda Aguilera, Scotty Bryant, Jaime Graham, Chef Eddie Harris, Kenneth Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Ayanna Shivers, Mixologist Eddie Wilson, Mixologist Kitty LaRue, Ms. Shanelle and Taki Walden-Reed.
1. Venue donated by internally-known tap dancer, Savion Glover
2. Beers by Brooklyn Brewery ft African-American Brewmaster Garett Oliver
3. Select wines by Andre Hueston Mack of Mouton Noir, an African-American winemaker originally from Trenton, NJ
4. Ice Cream by The Taharka Bros. African-American owned ice cream company based in Baltimore
5. Cupcakes donated by Brown Betty Desserts, an African-American owned boutique bakery out of Philadelphia
6. Sodas donated by Shabazz Fruit Cola
7. Beer tasting instructions by Ale Sharpton, award-winning writing and beer expert.
