Party with a Purpose

A few weeks’ two good friends of mine (Kevin and Jayce) and I decided we wanted to give back to the community in some way.  It’s that time of year when those who are facing hard times need assistance the most.  We all have really big hearts and are involved in various initiatives around the area.  We discussed the different ways we could help….Angel tree, coat drive happy hour, etc.  After little debate we agreed to attach the coat drive to Kevin’s birthday soirée.  In a week we put together a nice flyer, eventbrite and spread the world via Facebook and Twitter.  Social media was buzzing about the event; charity and partying with wonderful people GREAT people! 

The event was held at the distinguished Opera Ultra Lounge in Washington, DC!  The venue was absolutely beautiful and staff was very helpful in setting up the tables/containers for the coat drive.  It started at 8:30 pm with an open bar and free food.  Angel, one of my best friends, and I worked the coat collection table while Kevin and Jayce interacted with all of the guests.  Attendees were bringing in bags of coats! People donated coats for the entire family! It was a wonderful sight to see.  In the end we filled up a 50 gallon bin, 35 gallon bin and two trash bags!!!!! 

Once the coat drive ended, the party started! There were people dancing, drinks flowing, folks networking and just having a good time.  It was great to see young, black professionals have an awesome time in the name of charity! I really hope we can make this an annual event because the shelters in which we donated were extremely happy J  

Taking the time to make a difference is a humbling and gratifying experience! I pray everyone has a wonderful holiday season!  I know mine will be great because we were able to help others and sometimes that’s what life is all about!!!

My Mini Me

Although I don’t have children of my own I find myself drawn to children of all ages.  Now I have two nieces, two nephews and a little brother.   But I also have around four God children and a host of nieces and nephews who are of no relation.  I treat these children as if they were my own and support them in any way I can.  I buy shoes, gifts, school supplies; attend special events and provide adult guidance when needed. 

A few weeks ago while attending my weekly DanceWorks class in Columbia I met a 14 year old girl named A.  I’m not sure what it was, but we took to each other instantly and by the end of class everyone was calling her my “mini me.”   She loves to dance, very smart, watches football/basketball and has a quick mouth J  Yea, she is just like me!   She even forgets to take the tags off her clothes like me, lol.  My mom said she acts the same way I did when I was her age. 

Mini Me asked me for my cell phone number to keep in touch.  I figured she was just being friendly, as I was at that age, but she was serious.  In the few weeks since we met we have developed something like a big/little sister relationship.   She calls and texts me about school, friends, dance, etc.   Just the other night we were discussing Dwight Howard, whom we both think is VERY attractive.  She was saying she was going to come with me to NBA All-Star weekend so she can see our “boo.”  That is soooo funny to me.  Anyway, when the magic were losing in game 6 of the NBA playoffs she sent me a text message saying Howard needed to step up and play before they lose the series.  The funny thing was I was about to text her with the same message.  When the game was over I sent her a text saying I was going to Orlando to comfort Howard and she responded I was really her “Big Me” J

Guess I have another child to add to my list.  She is the oldest, so this will be a little different.  I can already see her asking to stay at my house, go shopping, etc.  It makes me happy to play a positive role in the life of a teenager when the society has so many bad role models.