Community Journal 22

Community Journal Faith-based | Non-Profits | Foundations | Community Organizations | Entertainment | Fashion | Lifestyle | Sports

June 2013

Inspire, Inform & Educate

22 nd Edi tion

It’s All About The Community

INSIDE

Effective Communications, Family Speak

By Rose Carter History tells us that we were some of the earth’s greatest inventors, mathematicians, and scientists, way before there was a Nobel Peace Prize to be given.

PAGE 4

Former NFL Pro Tim Carter, Founder of Carter’s Kids, Hosts First Annual Charity Benefit Fundraiser

Business Connection with George Fraser Presented by d-mars.com

Founded by retired professional NFL athlete Tim Carter, and his wife, LaShell, Carter’s Kids was created as an extension of their love and compassion for children.

PAGE 9

Lil’ Audrey’s Safe Place, A Refuge in the Time of Trouble

By Sharon C. Jenkins Lil Audrey’s Safe Place is a haven for youth who have nowhere else to go.

Texas Southern University’s Spring 2013 Commencement Exercise

You Can Now TweetMyJobs In Houston

Groundbreaking of Kappa Alpha Psi Sponsored Habitat for Humanity House

McDonald’s BMOA Scholarship Luncheon 2013

PAGE 13

Will Downing - 25 Years and Counting!

By Angela White Will Downing was on a triumphant road to recovery ...

PAGE 19

3.

June 2013

Behind The

Journal

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis VICE PRESIDENT Kimberly Floyd

This month’s issue is titled It’s All About The Community. In this issue we share with you some information about some hot “H” town events and organizations that are doing great things in the city. So sit back with your favorite cold drink and enjoy this “hot off the press” issue.

As always again, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

MANAGING EDITOR Sharon Jenkins OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

CONTENTS

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine S. Angela White

Business Connection George Fraser Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Effective Communications, Family Speak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Texas Southern University’s 2013 Spring Commencement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 You Can Now TweetMyJobs in Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Board Comes to Houston for Groundbreaking of Kappa Sponsored Habitat for Humanity House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 McDonald’s BMOA Scholarship Luncheon 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Former NFL Pro Tim Carter, Founder of Carter’s Kids, Hosts First Annual Charity Benefit Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bill Russell, The Automotive Dealer You CAN Trust! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Child Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lil’ Audrey’s Safe Place, A Refuge in the Time of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Ben Hall In The Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Houston Fire Department’s Tragic Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Lionell A. Hilliard Houston Film Producer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance Annual Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Will Downing - 25 Years and Counting! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Renewed Innovations Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Taking Responsibility for Our Lives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Honey Shine Inc., Shining Love on Its Honey Bugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 2013 Kentucky Derby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines VIDEOGRAPHER Tony Mitchell MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ferland D. Antwine Yong Kwon Kevin Wright DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela White Reverend John Fields Karena Poke Sharon C. Jenkins Rose Carter PRWeb Kaylah Cherice Johnson Kevin Wright

“We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race.” ~ Cicero

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” ~ Unknown

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4.

June 2013

Business Connection George Fraser Event

Effective Communications, Family Speak

By Rose Carter

Contributing Writer

S

George Fraserism’s on Black People 1. There are no meaningless circumstances.

You are always where you are supposed to be.

2. We were born to network.

3. We need to stop resenting rich people because you cannot attract what you resent.

4. Success runs in our race. 60% of Black people (9 million) are executives, management, in vocations, sales, and technology. This is an incredible army of motivational mentors. If we were an army we would be the largest army in the world.

5. Baby Boomers are the first generation of Blacks that have raised another generation that is worse off than they were.

6. “We have everything we need to succeed except each other.”

7. “Baby Boomers have amassed 500 Billion hours of formal education and professional training. This equates to $5Trillion worth of intellectual capital. We have a lot of PhD’s in our community, we need some Ph-Do’s.”

8. “Only approximately 5% of our dollars are recycled in our community. There is tremendous economic leakage in our community.”

omewhere on the shores of Africa our ancestors gathered to share the legacy of the relatives who had come before them. These stories spoke of our greatness and innovation as a people. History tells us that we were some of the earth’s greatest inventors, mathematicians, and scientists, way before there was a Nobel Peace Prize to be given.

Memories of this kind often bring healing and resurrection strength in times similar to what we are experiencing today. The ancient ones often shared dark liturgies from a past that was sometimes filled with shared sorrows and forgotten hurts. Age may have stolen their physical sight, but their weak dull eyes reflected the strength of being overcomers and their wisdom spoke of a life well lived inspite of the trials and tribulations they had experienced.

That dullness often faded away when their youth was revisited and as the memories of a first love tested the strength of their worn hearts, a sparkle appeared in its stead. These were the tales told by the “griots” of our culture. Sometimes the stories were told in song, dance, or through poetry, but the story was told and passed down from one generation to another. And then the slave ships came and the griots were silenced, denying us the truth of our heritage and replacing it with a deadly quiet. On the plantations, occasionally a griot would rise, but not like in the days of old, when the whole village gathered to

“The greatest networker is Jesus. He shows us it’s not what you know but who you know. Sometimes you are blessed because you are in the proximity of people who are already blessed.”

Pastor “J” of Higher Dimension Church “Ladies remember, being a woman in the board room with people who do not look like you, that is consistently made of men, remember who you are and don’t compromise that, but do it in a way that’s classy.

Remember women drive business!”

Kim Roxie, CEO/Founder of LAMIK Beauty “Put yourself in the room where the money is.”

Harold Ahmad Steele, President of Liberty Bank “A person can’t support you until they know what you do. You have to make every effort to be known. You must spend money to make money. For every dollar you spend, expect a return. You can’t sit on it. You have to plant a seed in your own business; you are your greatest asset. You have to do small things to market your business until you can do big things. Secondly, do things with integrity. Do what you say, deliver on the promise. Always under promise and over deliver.”

Bill Russell, Your Personal Car Dealer

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listen. Their voices were but whispers and as the years have gone by those whispers have steadily faded away.

In the homes of modern day families, the griot lies dormant. We have progressed to a place where conversation is limited between husbands and wives and parents and their children. It has been replaced with cellular phones, iPads, Facebook and the all time favorite mantra: “I want my children to have the things I did not have.”

One out of every five marriages is a result of on-line dating. That may be an explanation for the divorce rate being slightly greater than 51% in America.

When a man and a woman have to deal with the reality of a face to face relationship, the dynamics of their virtual “happily ever after” changes. Teen suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among adolescents because they can’t find anyone to “listen” to their problems or share lessons learned from the past. There is such a feeling of isolation in today’s homes that children often don’t feel comfortable enough with their parents to scream for the help that they need.

Families don’t talk to each other, eat together, or take family vacations anymore.

The don’t play together, pray together, or stay together in the 21st Century. As a result the generations before them is denied an opportunity to effectively communicate their stories. As a society, we keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again and forgetting to celebrate our victories. We are calling for the rebirthing of the “griots.”

Will you accept the challenge?

5.

June 2013

Texas Southern University’s Spring 2013 Commencement Exercise

M

ore than 1,000 students graduated at Texas Southern University’s Spring 2013 Commencement ceremony. Kermit Crawford, President of Pharmacy, Health, Wellness Services & Solutions, at Walgreens Co. served as the keynote speaker; and distinguished alumnus Michael Strahan, Super Bowl Champion, Broadcaster, and co-host of the “LIVE with Kelly and Michael!” received an honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony. Also in attendance was legendary boxer, George Foreman.

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6.

June 2013

You Can Now

http://houston.tweetmyjobs.com or via links from the City’s website, http://www.houstontx.gov, to receive relevant job matches instantaneously by e-mail, text message, or from social networks of their preference. In addition, employers in the greater Houston area who are seeking to fill open positions can use “TweetMyJobs Houston!” to advertise their jobs at no cost.

About TweetMyJobs TweetMyJobs, a division of CareerArc Group, provides government with a robust

in Houston

By Taken from PRWeb

H

oustonians will have access to relevant opportunities instantly and directly with the new TweetMyJobs platform that has landed in our city. Houston based employers will be able to reach quality candidates in a fast, efficient and affordable way. “TweetMyJobs Houston!” includes more than 150,000 jobs in all industries at all levels of employment, from entry level to C-Suite positions in the Houston metro area. The platform is not limited to specific demographics. In fact, “TweetMyJobs Houston!” is a tool for all Houstonians.

Available at http://w w w.Houston.

TweetMyJobs.com or at the App Store for your mobile device, getting started is as fast and easy as pushing a button to find jobs. Likewise, employers can instantly distribute their job listings to every corner of the digital landscape. “TweetMyJobs Houston!” leverages social media to drive local employment solutions. Job seekers

can choose to receive job notifications “pushed” to them via text message on their phone, email or through social media networks like Twitter. The platform is also integrated with Facebook so that job seekers can easily see if any of their friends are connected with the hiring company.

Through the site seekers can request a referral from their friend to the hiring company, making their chances of getting the job 20 times higher.

“TweetMyJobs has launched in other cities throughout the U.S. and we have seen firsthand what our platform can do to bolster job growth and economic development,” said Robin D. Richards, Chairman and CEO of TweetMyJobs.

“We are excited to bring this unique tool to the 4th largest city in America and we commend Mayor Parker for her proactive approach and desire to adopt the latest recruitment technology available to support her initiatives for job creation in Houston.”

Individuals interested in pa rticipating shou ld register at

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online, social and mobile jobs platform that facilitates employment between citizens and businesses. By accessing powerful analytics, government is able to gain unprecedented insight into job creation and local employment needs.

Used by cities and counties like Atlanta, GA; Newark, NJ; Columbia, SC; and Nassau, NY, TweetMyJobs is the leading social and mobile recruitment and job distribution network matching job seekers with employers.

Contact: Stuart Lander @ 818-260-3156

7.

June 2013

Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Board Comes To Houston For Groundbreaking Of Kappa Sponsored Habitat For Humanity House

A

75 member Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Board delegation came to Houston on Friday and Saturday (May 17-18) for closed door meetings in which the delegation previewed the plans for Kappa’s National Conclave (Convention) that will be held in Houston, August 6-11, 2013.

However, the highlight of the weekend meetings was the big Saturday morning Media Event - The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Kappa Alpha Psi sponsored - Habitat for Humanity House to be built in the Settegast Community on the northeast side of Houston: Keith Hunt, Executive Director of Kappa Alpha Psi, welcomed the crowd of well-wishers on behalf of the Grand Board delegation.

Reverend James Hill of Bethel Community Baptist Church provided the Invocation.

Houston Habitat Director, Algenita Davis, gave the Occasion and energized the crowd when she described the historical significance of the Groundbreaking.

Mike Adkinson, Local Planning Committee Chairman - 81st Grand Chapter Meeting, described the purpose

and the WHY of the Community Service event, i.e. the Habitat for Humanity House. Adkinson explained to the crowd that traditionally a Community Service project is proposed for each Conclave.

Thus, the Habitat for Humanity project, approved by the Grand Board some time ago, became a beautiful reality on this day in Houston.

Grand Polemarch William “Randy” Bates closed out the Ceremony saying, “This Groundbreaking is but one example of what we mean when we say that our goal is to leave Houston a better place because we were here. The 81st Grand Chapter Meeting logo says it all “Impacting Communities – Making a Difference for the Next 100 years.”

Again, this is just one event, there will be others. During our Aug 6-11 Conclave in Houston, we will have three Community Health Fairs at Kashmere, Third Ward, and Sunnyside Multi-Service Centers. Not forgetting brothers and fathers – who often first take care of family health and put off taking care of themselves, our fourth Health Fair will target Men’s Health and will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Still more is planned:

(1) a Job Fair, (2) a Professional School Fair (Law, Medicine & Engineering), and (3) a Public Meeting and Community Workshops.

In the workshops, experts will address problems that face inner-city youth.

Topics to be discussed include: “College and Career Readiness”, “Closing the Achievement Gap” and “Incarceration and The African American Community.” As we proclaimed during our August 2012 Kickoff Press Reception, “Our goal is to leave a positive, indelible mark on Houston.”

Resolutions presented by Texas State

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Representative Harold Dutton and Houston City Comptroller Ronald Green will be stored in the Kappa Alpha Psi archives.

The family that purchased the Habitat house, a mother, and 2 sons, were present during the Groundbreaking Ceremony and were able to meet and mingle with local Kappas and members of the Grand Board.

The Official Ribbon Cutting and occupancy by the new owners will take place in August and will highlight the opening of the 2013 Conclave.

8.

June 2013

McDonald’s BMOA Scholarship Luncheon 2013

N

ational Black McDonald’s Operators Association is one of the largest and most successful African American business organizations in the nation. The Houston area chapter of the NBMOA collectively owns 50 restaurants in the Greater Houston Area.

Members share in the dream and the success of NBMOA by working together for the improvement of the communities in which they live and presently serve. They share also with in-store fund raising efforts, scholarship programs, regional cooperative projects and individual donations – making Black McDonald’s Owner/Operators some of the best philanthropic business and community neighbors. The BMOA of Greater Houston recently held their 20th Annual African American Future Achievers Awards Ceremony to celebrate the achievement of 25 local area high school students.

The 2013 RMHC®African American Future Achievers Scholarship Winners

Keynote Speaker: Mary Benton, KPRC Local 2

Kenya Frilot Jonathon Allen Crystal Ike Justice Ballard DeNae Maxie Jordan Brooks Constance Nolen Emonia Carlson Bria Okere Bria Davis Ashleigh Robinson Essence Derouen Adaadinchezo Oguejiofor

Simmons Kayla Williams Haishat Allie Elarra Bankston Jazzment Brown Annecia Cartha

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Hannah Denman Xander Eldridge Terinney Haley Napier Kentish II Neo Nanna Keilon Robinson Meshach Sullivan

9.

June 2013

Former NFL Pro Tim Carter, Founder of Carter’s Kids, Hosts First Annual Charity Benefit Fundraiser

Organization to Announce Tim Carter’s Enrichment Program for Foster Youth

T

he First Annual “Carter’s Kids Charity Benefit” hosted by former NFL pro athlete Tim Carter will welcome VIPs, athletes, celebrities and influencers to the Mosaic Bar and Lounge on Saturday, June 22nd, 2013, from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.

The fundraiser will raise monies for the construction of a new multi-purpose enrichment facility for foster youth, designed to support the Carter’s Kids Residential Treatment Center, by providing an enrichment program to include sports involvement, social skill development and character building.

Founded by retired professional NFL athlete Tim Carter, and his wife, LaShell, Carter’s Kids was created as an extension of their love and compassion for children. The Carters have always dedicated themselves to serving the community and helping those who are less fortunate. Together, the Carters work to plant seeds in the lives of at-risk boys and girls to expose them to a positive life. “We plan on helping our boys and girls get back on track while at the homes we provide for them, and seeing to it that they stay on track long after they leave our care,” LaShell said.

Tim’s mission spreads far beyond the children currently residing in the Carter’s Kids foster homes. Tim is well aware of the life skills one acquires by participating in organized sports. He believes these skills play a crucial role in becoming productive members of society after the children leave the care of Carter’s Kids.

The First Annual “Carter’s Kids Charity Benefit” will be hosted at the Mosaic

Bar and Lounge (5927 Almeda Road), Saturday, June 22nd, 2013, from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. VIP guests will be welcomed on the red carpet at 5:00pm, followed by guests and patrons at 6:00pm. Media personality Lyndsay Christian will serve as the event’s mistress of ceremonies and celebrity guests will include NFL players Adrian Peterson, Eddie George, Chris Culliver, NBA players Tracy McGrady, Danny Green, Quincy Poindexter, Trey Tompkins, Mike James and more.

The evening will include red carpet arrivals, a cocktail hour, a silent auction and live entertainment provided by Celebrity DJ Eddie George, Heisman Trophy winner and Tennessee Titans star running back.

Tickets are available for purchase now at http://carterskidscharitybenefit.eventbrite. com/ - About Carter’s Kids One in 155 children in Texas is living in foster care. Carter’s Kids believes that children in foster care deserve a safe, nurturing home that will meet their needs and provide all of the necessary services to help them achieve permanent placement.

Over the past four years, the Carter’s Kids Residential Treatment Center (Carter’s Kids) has committed time, love and patience to the programs that support and serve at-risk youth in the community. For the most vulnerable youth in foster care, Carter’s Kids extends support, guidance and a nurturing environment in their time of dire need. To learn more about Carter’s Kids please visit www.carterskids.org

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10.

June 2013

Bill Russell, The Automotive Dealer You CAN Trust!

By Sharon C Jenkins Contributing Writer

I

f you say the name “Bill Russell” in conjunction with purchasing a car, you can rest assured that you are going to get the best deal possible. His passion for fair and equitable treatment of all people when it comes to purchasing high end items fuels his desire to help those who need help when it comes to purchasing a car.

For years he was an icon at Russell and Smith Ford, but Bill has a new address.

He is part of The Sonic Automotive Group at Momentum BMW located at 1002 Southwest Freeway. Not only has he re-located, but he has expanded his repertoire of automobiles to include virtually any kind of car you could possibly desire. You can buy anything that you want: car, truck, or SUV, at the lowest payment you have ever seen or heard. He has access to over 300 dealerships nationwide. He can assist you with ANY and EVERY brand, make or model available: BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Ford, Chevy,

Cadillac, and Range Rover …, from almost anywhere in the continental U.S. Numerous Houston car buyers serve as witnesses to the fact that no one in the industry is more fair and trustworthy than Bill Russell! He has over 30 years experience in the automobile industry with huge success because he believes strongly in the sowing and reaping principle. Early in his career, he witnessed that African American customers pay more for cars than other ethnicities. He actually lost his first job as a car salesman as a result.

Back in the day, the sales office listened in on their customer’s conversations when the salesman left the customer to talk with their supervisor about financing.

Even though he was the third highest ranking salesman for that quarter, he was fired because he felt that it was his moral responsibility to advise his customers on how they should best negotiate the deal for their automobile purchase. After that he took a 10 year break, but car sales was in his DNA and he eventually returned to the industry.

When asked, “Why should people trust you?” Russell responded, “Because of God’s grace and the success He has allowed me to have, I can put the needs of my customer above and before mine.

It’s not about the dollar for me at this point. I’ve managed to go beyond the dollar. My mission is to educate African Americans on how to be better stewards of their resources.” He looked at areas where they usually have been treated unfairly in business and established support systems to educate, empower, and eradicate the norm. Some of those areas are: • Credit: He researched over 50 sources of credit repair and found a trustworthy source that assists him in offering credit repair to his potential customers. His clients can rest assured that their credit information will be kept with the strictest confidentiality.

• Real Estate: Russell believes that being a home owner is just as easy as renting an apartment. It has been his experience that often people may purchase a $60,000 - $70,000 automobile and place it in their apartment parking lot versus making that investment in real estate. He stated, “I have several customers that 45 days ago, they could not qualify for anything. In the last 5 days they have gotten both a house and a car.”

• Mortgages: He has a mortgage company that helps his clients get financed to become homeowners.

His goal is to assist others in realizing their dreams. His life scripture is Psalm 112:5, which says: “If a man deals fairly in business, wealth and riches will be in his house.” He has acquired a certain level of wealth, which liberates him to unselfishly help others. For 17 years he hosted a radio program on KCOH as a community service called Bill Russell Car Talk. When he retired from the automotive business several years ago it was because he had achieved the level of success that he set out to attain. As a child he came face to face with his potential for greatness. He decided at an early age that he would not allow his humble beginnings to influence his dreams. Motivated by his faith, Russell has become his own living testimony of God’s ability to empower you to be a David in a Goliath world.

He recently returned to the industry because no one had taken up “the mantle” of empowering the Millennial Generation to make wise decisions in the area of car buying. Russell states that, “The new generation of car buyers [ages 35 – 40] are academically educated, making nice money, driving nice cars, but they are not aware of the historical bend in the industry to seller bias and prejudice towards minorities. They buy outside of their

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budget, and they buy on emotion. I can fix all of that. If I can get you into a car, I can get you into a house.”

Bill Russell’s Top Twelve Tips on How to Buy an Automobile 1.

Do your homework! Use the Internet and the newspaper to comparison shop before you go to the dealership.

2. Let you budget buy the car rather than your taste buds. A luscious car may eventually cause you indigestion when you can’t make the payments.

3. Analyze your finances to determine what you can truthfully afford.

That means taking an honest look at your assets and liabilities and determining what you can comfortably allocate for a car payment monthly.

4. Don’t let what’s in your neighbor’s garage influence your decision making process. Keeping up with Joneses may eventually be detrimental to your financial health. Again, seek an automobile that fits into your budget!

5. Review your credit score prior to shopping for a vehicle. You may be pleasantly surprised or somewhat disappointed. Either way knowledge is power, it better prepares you for strategic negotiation on the sales floor.

6. Try to obtain your own financing, prior to your trip to the dealership. This will allow you to comparison shop in addition to giving you some leverage in the negotiation phase.

7.

Shop your trade-in before you show up to make a deal. Have your car appraised prior to your visit to the dealership, so that you can comparison shop before you receive an offer.

8. Call Bill Russell if a “down payment” is a problem.

9.

Call Bill Russell if you are looking for a favorable payoff on your trade-in, regardless of how much you owe.

10. Call Bill Russell if you don’t like your current car note and want a lower monthly payment.

11. Call Bill Russell if you want to finally deal with someone you can trust.

12. Call Bill Russell at 713-596-3100 and get your dream deal at a price you can afford!

To Get Behind the Wheel of Your Dream Car Today: • For preapproval go to www. momentumbmw.net • To view all of Bill’s inventory go to www.sonicautomotive.com.

• Check out Bill Russell’s website at http://billmrussell.wix.com/cartalk.

11.

June 2013

Child Abuse

By Rev. John Fields

A

Contributing Writer

buse is like a dark cloud that cloaks the minds, hearts, and understanding of so many when it comes to children. It’s as if there is this animal that is hiding in the shadows that’s waiting to attack the helpless and the unknowing stealing their innocence. Universally the term abuse suggests negative behavior. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual, however at the end of the road there’s always pain, hurt, and sorrow.

In 1870 an eight year old orphan in New York named Mary Ellen Wilson complained of being whipped and beaten everyday by her foster family. Her case became one of the first to bring national attention to child abuse. In 2002, one hundred thirty-two years later the horizon was again darkened by a major child abuse scandal that rocked the world and the Christian community. The scandal involved the Catholic Church and the cover up of widespread abuse. Since then it has become very clear that this animal named “Abuse” has invaded the church, schools, and the community.

Stories are reported from the universal platform; a five year old child is the victim of rape. In India most recent three girls (6, 9, and 11) are raped and found dead, their bodies thrown into a well. In Houston, Texas a first grader tells another child to keep still, “I’m trying to rape you.” How depraved has our society become?

How is it that the children have become so exposed to abuse? Have we as people become so much more concerned with laws, and regulations to protect birds, fish, and wildlife than establishing national boundaries to protect America’s children.

The question has been raised where are the parents; who is raising the children?

In so many cases their fathers and their mothers are both incarcerated, and grandmother is caring the load. She is doing the best that she can, working long hours just to make ends meet. The child is at wits end on how he can help and Little Bob is told by one of the older children in the area how he helps his family.

He is instructed to take a package

five blocks down the street and the man reading the newspaper will give him an envelope that he needs to bring back, and then there will be something for him, twohundred fifty dollars. Bob was eight when he started with one route, now at nine he has ten routes. His grandmother begins to notice the new tennis shoes, jeans, caps and jerseys; she raises the questions of where and how. Bob then gives his grandmother an envelope that has enough money to buy a car, a stove, a washer and dryer, her tone and tune changed. She now looks to Bob for the help that a grown man should be offering a household.

Now Bob is twelve and she observes him coming out of the bedroom with his girlfriend at 7:00 am in the morning. Nine months later a baby is born, they decide to leave it in the park.

Child abuse is influenced by the things that are done as well as the things that are not done to raise children in our present society. Abuse is prevalent because of the silence that permeates our society. During hard times tempers get out of control and discipline turns into a rage.

Perhaps you saw the little boy in Boston who was standing near the finish line; he had a sign that said “we ought to stop hurting people.”

Children are still people regardless of their age. To abuse or not to abuse is a choice. When people stop choosing to love, to care, and desiring to make a difference in the lives of others then the doors of abuse swings open. Abuse brings hurt, love brings hope.

If you grew up in an environment with no love, no concern for others, and it was every man for himself, dare to be different and choose to love children, and choose to care about their wellbeing. When you love children, it’s like sowing a seed in fertile ground, there will always be someone to love you back. Guild them, train them, they are God’s little people. They are the next generation. In Matthew 19:13 Jesus had children brought to Him that he might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven.

Children are to be blessed not abused!

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12.

June 2013

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13.

June 2013

Lil’ Audrey’s Safe Place, A Refuge in the Time of Trouble

By Sharon C Jenkins Contributing Writer

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bout 16,000 Texas children are in foster care and each year about 1,500 will “age out” when they reach 18 years of age. The surprising reality is that most of these children have nowhere to go and end up on Houston’s streets, homeless.

Lil Audrey’s Safe Place is a haven for youth who have nowhere else to go. This forgotten segment of our citizenry have dreams that are hindered by years of abuse and neglect in a system that has been broken for quite some time. When they come to Lil Audrey’s they are embraced with unconditional love and the stability of a “family” environment.

They are an organization founded to assist youth who have aged out of the Foster Care System in seeking a postsecondary education who are homeless.

They live in the residential facility until they complete their education. They offer them continued health services, mentorship, transportation, leadership training and a variety of opportunities to become productive citizens.

Audrey Banks, a prior educator in lower eastend, honored the community by opening her home, knowledge and heart to the students she taught and, immediate family and friends when they were in need. Her daughter Alma Banks Brown was inspired to continue the legacy of her mother who spent a lifetime loving the children of others. Feeding them, clothing them, making sure they were academically sound and mentoring them for career and college success.

Brown says that she grew up watching her mom, the single parent of seven, bringing her students home to feed or clothe and usually if she brought one, she would end up with their siblings. They had a four bedroom house in North East Houston and for as long as she can remember they had at least 20 people in their home at all times. Her mother’s sibling’s even sent their wayward children to her for remediation. The basis for everything she did was education. She strongly believed that if you, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” She made sure that academics were a priority in their lives.

In its 19 year history, Lil Audrey’s has always reached out to the foster care community and always taken care of children without parents. Brown took over the mantle in 2002 by helping these teens find a place to stay. That progressed to paying for their rent and now they provide a comprehensive residential program for youth. 80% of its 28 youth are enrolled in college or vocational school and 20% are high school students. The house’s potential capacity is 46; however they serve over 150 per year. They lease the building for $10,000 a month.

Brown, her husband, her daughter and her sons are bearing the financial burden for the program and are actively seeking assistance as their program is expanding to meet the ever increasing need for their services. They have no paid employees because getting the necessary funds for them is difficult. Brown reports that homeless youth have resorted to all kinds of methods to get off of Houston streets such as pretending to be mentally ill to get services, committing a petty crime to go to jail so that they can have a place to sleep at night, or sofa surfing from house to house. They become prostitutes, sex slaves, and criminals because survival is the only

thing they can do. As a result Brown won’t turn away any kid that comes through the doors of Lil Audrey. In preparation for this mission she went to PRIDE classes to become a foster parent and began to go to the street church and participate in youth forums to better understand the problem and serve this “lost community.”

When asked what her “why” was, Brown said, “This is the population that I’ve always mentored because this is the

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generation that the world says is lost. I call them Generation ‘Yes,’ because they can accomplish anything they put their minds to, if given an opportunity to do so.” For more information about or to make a donation to Lil Audrey’s Safe Place Foundation, call Alma Brown at 281-8537745 or stop by 2505 Southmore to see a miracle taking place, right before your eyes.

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June 2013

BEN HALL In The Community

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15.

June 2013

BEN HALL In The Community

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June 2013

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17.

June 2013

Houston Fire Department’s Tragic Loss

Capt. EMT Matthew Renaud Station 51

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Eng. Op. EMT Robert Bebee Station 51

he Houston Fire Department was saddened to list the following members who gave the ultimate sacrifice from a fire in Southwest Houston this afternoon: Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Station 51 (not 68). He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51 has served out of Stations 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35.

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since.

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.

A public memorial service was held for

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner Prob. Firefighter Anne Sullivan Station 68 Station 68

the four Houston Firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice during the fire in Southwest Houston last Friday, May 31.

The service was held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Reliant Stadium, One Reliant Park, Houston, Texas, 77054.

Parking was opened at 7 a.m. The Memorial Procession began at 8 a.m. and the public was able to view the procession from the south parking lot of Reliant Stadium and on the Skywalk across Kirby Drive. The services began at 10 a.m. with the prelude by Musicians of the Houston Symphony which included the following: • A Procession • National Anthem by Kelley Peters • Master of Ceremony Remarks

by Michael Mire, Captain, Houston Fire Department • Opening Prayer by His Eminence Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, CardinalArchbishop of Galveston-Houston • Musical Selection by the Brentwood Baptist Church Choir • Mayor of Houston Address by The Honorable Annise Parker • Messages by Tony Rocha, On behalf of the Renaud Family; Ian S. Kim, On behalf of the Bebee Family • Musical Selection by the Musicians of The Houston Symphony • Messages by Nicole Garner, On behalf of the Garner Family; Mary Moore Sullivan, On behalf of the Sullivan Family • Fire Chief Address by Terry Garrison, Fire Chief, Houston Fire Department • Fire Chief Terry Garrison will present the American Flag honoring our fallen fire fighters

to the Renaud, Bebee, • Garner and Sullivan families.

These flags have been provided by U.S. Congressman Gene Green (D-Texas), U.S. Congressman John Culberson (R-Texas), U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and U.S. Congressman Pete Olson (R-Texas) who had the flags flown over the United States Capital on May 31, 2013.

• Firefighters Address by Jeff Caynon, President, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 341 • Address by International Association of Firefighters Thomas H. Miller, General Secretary-Treasure • After IAFF General SecretaryTreasurer Miller delivers his comments, he was joined by IAFF District Vice President Sandy McGhee and Houston Professional Fire Fighters President Jeff Caynon to present the IAFF Medal of Honor to the Renaud, Bebee, Garner and Sullivan families.

• Honor Companies Tribute • The Final Alarm Bell Ceremony by the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard • Closing Prayer by His Eminence

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Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, CardinalArchbishop of Galveston-Houston • Musical Selection (Amazing Grace) by the Houston Fire Department Pipes and Drums • Dismissal The Houston Fire Department has never seen four firefighters pass away from the same incident in the history of the department. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their Engine was broadsided by a train. Five firefighters were initially transported to the hospital for a range of injures from heat exhaustion to a critical injuries.

There has been an enormous outpouring of sympathy and support from not only the Citizens of Houston, but also from around the Nation. They are working closely with the 100 Club and ask that those who would like to make monetary donations contribute to the 100 Club. The 100 Club, a 60 year old Houston based non-profit organization, that supports the dependents of Firefighters and Law Enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Donations are being accepted to “The 100 Club Survivors Fund”, which provides benefits to the dependents of Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers who lose their life in the line of duty.

Contributions are being accepted at: 100 Club Survivors Fund 5555 San Felipe – Suite 1750 Houston, TX 77056

Or they can be made at The 100 Club website: www.the100club.org.

100% of “Survivors Fund” donations go to the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with not only those friends and family of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice but also those who were injured and all members of the Houston Fire Department.

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June 2013

Lionell A. Hilliard Houston Film Producer

By S. Angela White Contributing Writer Photo By

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Doss Tidwell

ffectionately coined as the “… hardest working Producer [outside] of Hollywood” by longtime friend, Actress/Producer, Vivica A. Fox, Lionell Aubrey Hilliard, is a Producer, Director and Screenwriter for Black Genie Filmed Entertainment Group, a motion-picture production company with several broadcast and premium cable television credits, and collectively over fifty (50) “Official Selections” and “Audience Favorite” awards received from film festivals worldwide.

Lionell grew up in Houston’s 3rd Ward, and South Park area communities and later graduated from North Shore High School.

A member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Lionell received his bachelor’s degree in radio/television/film production from Sam Houston State University, and his master’s degree in motion-picture producing from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.

He was the recipient of the coveted Ben Kingsley Scholarship presented by AFI and Target Stores during his thesis year at the American Film Institute.

The accomplished and multi-talented producer and screenwriter got his first

Hollywood job when he served as production assistant during the premiere season of “The Trials of Rosie O’Neill,” (CBS) a spinoff of “Cagney and Lacey.” He went on to work the short-lived television pilots, including that of “In the House”, before becoming the hit NBC sitcom.

Lionell and Vivica would work together on NBC series “Out All Night,” which also starred Morris Chestnut, Duane Martin, Tahj Mowry and multi-platinum and Grammy recording legend, Patti LaBelle.

He also worked on the sets of “Sister, Sister,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” and “Girlfriends.” Lionell’s passion for creating quality episodic television provided constant opportunities to meet and work with a number of his childhood heroes and television notables such as Sharon Gless, Ed Asner, Robert Wagner Dorian Harewood, Jada Pinket and fellow Houstonian Loretta Devine. Lionell and Jada would cross paths again on two NBC productions; Cosby Show spinoff “A Different World” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” produced

by Quincy Jones Entertainment. Lionell worked on Sony/Columbia’s “Devil in a Blue Dress,” directed by fellow AFI Alumnus Carl Franklin and starring Denzel Washington, Jennifer Beals and Tom Sizemore.

In 2004, his delightful yet controversial AFI thesis film “The Sunday Morning

Stripper” which features superstar comedians Bruce Bruce (“Idlewild,” “Who’s Your Caddy?”), Reynaldo Rey (“Friday,” “First Sunday”) and incomparable stage and screen phenomenon Jenifer Lewis, took Best Narrative Short at the Jamaican Film & Music Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was also declared winner of the 15th Annual Black Filmmaker Showcase presented by Showtime Networks.

In 2008, Lionell created (wrote, produced and directed) “As For Me & My House,” a sitcom about a blended Houston family coping with the aftermath and effects of Hurricane Katrina. The comedy special aired locally and was favorably received in more than 600,000 households in at least 13 counties in and around the Houston area. Credited with helping to foster positive relations amongst Houston’s expanded citizenry, the show also received top honors in the 41st Annual Worldfest Houston International Film Festival.

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Lionell’s 2009 short film project, “I Pledge Allegiance” garnered awards at the 2010 Iowa Independent Film Festival and the 2010 Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival. In 2012, Lionell turned his talents toward the horror genre. “The Legend of Goatman” which tells the wretched tale of how a popular small town political figure and his affection for a particular farm animal go awry with supernatural consequences.

Aside from his creative pursuits, Lionell also serves as film and cinema studies professor with the Art Institute of Houston.

He was also a widely popular and respected faculty member of the Magnet School of Communication’s Media Tech department at Jack Yates High School from 1996 1999 and again from 2005 – 2007.

Thursday, June 20th Lionell is pleased to present Fox 26 News Reporter, Ned Hibberd and KTSU radio personality, Donna Franklin, as they showcase their acting debuts in “Sideshow”, a film about crimes of passion. The film is loosely based on the lyrics from the 1972 R&B classic tune “Let the sideshow begin.” Two other short screen films will take place prior to the headliner; “The Legend of Goatman” which takes place in the late 1800’s and “InsomNIA” a music video Lionell worked on celebrating the music of Grammyaward winning artist Jill Scott.

The general public is encouraged to attend this screening at River Oaks Theatre (2009 W. Gray, Houston, Texas).

For ticket information go to www. brownpapertickets.com

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June 2013

Women’s Business Will Downing Enterprise Alliance 25 Years and Counting Annual Conference

By S. Angela White Contributing Writer

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ertainly, you remember some of the most romantic songs R&B/ Jazz Legend Will Downing has blessed us with, “A Million Ways”, ”Sorry I” and my favorite, a duet with Rochelle Ferrell…”Nothing Has Ever”.

When I first interviewed this phenomenal artist, Will Downing was on a triumphant road to recovery from Polymyostis, a tragic illness that produced inflammation in his supporting joint structures and had taken the ability to walk, move his arms to feed himself or even lift a small bag into an airline overhead bin. The singer’s weight dwindled from 220 to an alarming 110 pounds. Will is the first to admit that he was not one for doctor’s visits and finally when convinced to go to the doctor for these symptoms, a one day hospital stay turned into three months. As he lay in a hospital bed he was determined to complete the album project he had started titled “After Tonight.” Will was convinced it would be his last. He didn’t think he was going to make it. With the help of Rex Ridout (Will’s long-time Co-Producer for over 15 years) and modern technology, a hospital room was transformed into a make shift studio and over 70% of the album was recorded from the hospital bed.

Will calls your attention to two songs on that album, “God is So Amazing” and “Lovers Melody” which is bone chilling to listen to because at this point Downing was too weak to sing. What you hear on this song is Will mustering strength to hum the melody while Roy Ayers plays.

The road to recovery was slow. What remained constant was Downing’s refusal to give up or to be fed through a feeding tube. Will Downing began physical therapy often with his progress being only 2 or 3 steps in a day. While slowly gaining arm and leg strength, Will completed the “After Tonight” project. The album speaks directly to his courage, determination and faith.

Fast forward to 2013 and life couldn’t

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be better for Will Downing. This year he looks forward to being honored at the Capital Jazz festival for 25 years of countless performances and 16 albums.

The New Jersey resident enjoys a full healthy life with his wife Audrey Wheeler Downing (who also is a vocalist) and their three children. His youngest daughter Aja Lynn Downing can be heard on his albums singing background and looks forward to her own solo career. Will has also partnered with the American Stroke Association and their initiative titled “Strike Against Stroke” that takes place as a bowling event throughout the country.

I asked Will at what point does an artist feel they have “made it.” He reminisces of his performance as a solo artist at age 19 live at the Dominion Theatre in England in 1988. Will Downing was the name on the marquis; people had actually come to see him perform. It was undoubtedly an amazing feeling. Will is still amazed at some of the people he actually has a chance to meet and collaborate with. As a result of his fascination, he developed a serious interest in photography and in 2006 published a coffee table book titled “Unveiled,” a photo chronicle of all the famous people he met and worked with in the music industry. Many of whom will perform with him at the Second Annual Sunset Jazz Festival in Atlanta. Two days of awesome music by Will Downing and some of his friends in music such as Najee, Hiroshima, Rochelle Ferrell, Brian Colberson, Eric Benet and more!

So what better to celebrate 25 years of music then a new album titled, “SILVER!’ Among many definitions, Wikipedia defines “Silver” as “a precious metal that has also long been used to confer high monetary value. It is also used to make objects symbolic of high social or political rank.” This year, SILVER also represents 25 years of “baby making music” for R&B/Jazz Legend Will Downing who has certainly earned his stripes of “high social ranking!” Although this new album is titled “Silver,” to the thousands of fans Will Downing is more than worth his weight in gold!

For information on Sunset Jazz Festival go to www.sunsetjazzatchastain.com

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June 2013

Renewed Innovations Benefit

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ay 12, 2013 Bruce Johnson hosted a Red Carpet Event benefitting Renewed Innovations, a non-profit organization here in Houston since 2000. Patricia Burton is the Director of the facility that provides homeless men, women and children with a stepping-stone of faith and equips them with a “SPIRIT” of confidence that will continue to strengthen them as they face new challenges. The goal of the program is to make services available that will help remove women, men, and children from homelessness so that they can live a healthier and productive lifestyle in a safe environment.

Taking Responsibility for Our Lives

By Kaylah Cherice Johnson Contributing Writer

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aking personal responsibility for our actions, life’s experiences, and circumstances allows us to experience a freedom unlike any other. One of the most liberating choices we can make is to resolve to no longer blame anything or anyone outside of ourselves for our experiences or circumstances. vA truism is that we have all been given an intuitive sense that if allowed, will guide our actions. If we are willing to admit it, we will acknowledge hearing a still small voice before we made the decisions that helped to create our current lives. Whether it was a gut feeling to turn right versus left (which lead directly to grid locked traffic) or a voice letting us know that the person we were considering as a life mate was not the right fit for us (which resulted in us not living the disappointment of a failed relationship). There is a popular saying “that hindsight is 20/20,” do you need to become a better listener. What is not as popular is the understanding that in every moment of every day we have within us the ability to tune into our own divine guidance system that will aide us in making the right decisions for our lives.

We have to choose to pay attention to our gut feelings… those of excitement as well as apprehension. Our feelings are gifts

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to us which gives us an intuitive view of our environment. They allow us insight into the things that our subconscious mind has already processed. Our job is to become sensitive to what they are revealing to us. We must retrain ourselves to hear its wisdom.

It is because of this intuition that we can have 20/20 forward vision. It is also the reason that blaming another is an excuse often resulting from our failure to use its power. If we have been given every faculty to choose the life that is best for us then we cannot hold others accountable for our making wrong choices. It is a disservice to us to assume the role of a victim, when in truth we could be more than conquerors if we were better listeners.

Each of us is completely responsible for the choices, responses, and circumstances of our lives. Our interactions with others only allow that which we permit. If we are honest we will admit that when we employ hindsight, we can remember those tugs and nudges that urged us to choose a definite course or different pathway. Our final choice, then, is our own.

If you haven’t already, try living a life without blaming others and instead only utilize introspection for purposes of growth. You will find you are freer than you have been in a very long time and able to move in the direction of your dreams and destiny. Then teach others to do the same.

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June 2013

Honey Shine Inc., 2013 Kentucky Derby Shining Love on Its Honey Bugs

B y K arena P oke

Contributing Writer

By Karena Poke

Contributing Writer

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he 11th Annual Hat’s Off Luncheon is held annually in Miami, Florida. This year it was held at the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island. Proceeds from the event help support “Aspire to Shine” workshops and “Camp Honey Shine” for Honey Shine Inc. In 2002 Tracy Wilson Mourning founded Honey Shine Inc., a mentoring program that promotes balance in the lives of girls and young women living in the Miami area with classes that focus on nurturing their minds, bodies and souls.

Tracy originally thought about creating a program for young girls while visiting Ms. Annie Lou Johnson in Miami. “I saw young girls with nowhere to go, babies on their shoulders and wondered which of them out of the group was I. If it had not been for the amazing women in my life, that could have very easily been me. God placed it on my heart to do something with Honey Shine.”

Honey Shine Inc. started with 15 to 20 girls over ten years ago and now the

program has 187 girls registered for Camp Honey Shine. During the six-week camp, young girls participate in a wide variety of workshops that include financial planning, planning for their pursuit of higher education, self-esteem, and health and beauty classes.

The Hat’s Off Luncheon is one of Miami’s premier events. As you enter into Jungle Island, you are greeted by several smiling “Honey Bugs.” Miami’s sunny weather made it a perfect day to pull out the flattering sundresses with the matching hats. Prior to entering the main event, guest browsed through a wide selection of auction items, hors d’ oeuvres and summer drinks by Chambord Liqueur.

Lights, camera, action … We were in for a pleasant surprise. The room looked like it was a set from fashion week in New York.

The young Honey Bugs strutted their colorful outfits from Gap Inc. and Bloomingdale’s from Aventura Mall down the runway with smiles that lit up the entire room.

We had a chance to catch up with Tracy at the end of the event and she stated that she was “excited to see our honey bugs shine and come out of their shell, that’s what this is all about.”

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he Kentucky Derby, “The most exciting two minutes in sports” is comprised of three year old thoroughbred horses that run 1 1/4 miles to the finish line. In the early 1900‘s John and Henry Churchill donated the land for the race track. In 1937 the land was incorporated and officially named the Churchill Downs. Kevin Krigger was the only African American competing in 139th Kentucky Derby. The last African American won in 1902. African Americans dominated the race in the mid to late 1800’s. Segregation played a part in many African Americans leaving the south, which opened the door for other groups to take over the race. After the departure of African Americans, white jockeys wanted to ensure African American jockeys didn’t return to the sport. White jockeys in the New York area forbid trainers and owners to enter any African American jockeys that they believed would win. The last time an African American competed in the Kentucky Derby was in 2000. Prior to 2000, the last African American hadn’t saddled up for the Kentucky since 1921.

Our on-the-spot reporter Karena Poke had this to say about one of the prestigious events she attended while at the derby, The Unbridled Gala.

The Unbridled Eve Gala was a huge

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success that garnered the support of celebrities around the world. Guests enjoyed an elaborate dinner selection that included Pineapple Shrimp Bouchee with Ginger & Thai Basil, Hot Brown on Herbed Crostini with Bacon Dust, Seared Ahi Tuna with Aioli Crostini, Baked Asparagus, Yellow Peppers & Cheese topped with White Wine and scented Pineapple Salsa. With all the great food, bourbon and whiskey drink specials; it was the perfect atmosphere to raise funds for Blessings in a Backpack.

As we talked with many of the celebrities, they were focused on the purpose - fighting childhood hunger.

Blessings in a Backpack was this year’s primary beneficiary. Blessings in a Backpack partners with America to ensure impoverished elementary school children are fed on the weekends throughout the school year. They provide over 62,000 children in 437 schools across 42 states and 3 countries with food. Blessing in a Backpack provides food 38 weekends out of the school year to elementary students who are on a free or reduced meal program.

Backpacks are primarily filled with readyto-eat foods like granola bars, oatmeal and macaroni and cheese. Daily, there are over 20 million children at risk of not eating one healthy meal. Blessings in a Backpack was named Charity of the Year for 2012 by People Magazine’s First Help Feed a Child Campaign.

Source: http://blessingsinabackpack.org

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June 2013

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