Byebye Grace, Hello 29 was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy to help create a beautiful experience on Saturday. About 200 guests of all different ages from all over California gathered to celebrate Grace's next adventure in Chicago and Angela's birthday. Not only was $2000 collected to go towards PATH and 5eleven, but there was real energy and excitement through the connections made and the art being shared by local artists whether through dance, painting, music or food.
Money that is donated for a cause and used to change lives can go a long way but when you can mobilize and bring together individuals for a purpose to collaborate and create, the impact can be immeasurable. So we are grateful for the generosity of our guests to give $2000 towards PATH and 5eleven, and we are also incredibly thankful for our family, friends and even strangers who stepped up to help make a space for our community to gather, connect and hopefully be inspired to love and live with purpose.
Behind the Scenes:
Jon Foote (Photo)
Shana Fu (East West Event Productions)
Neil Hamamura (Lighting/Sound)
Stephanie Jung (Film Editing)
Chris Kim (Graphic Artist)
Sam Song (Photo/Video)
Anonymous Donors (you know who you are, thank you!)
Culinary Geniuses:
Andrea Bridgeman
Julie Foyle
Lisa Halm
Pia Hong
Erin Kim
Ingrid Ling
Phil Ling
Bob Rake (Mission of H.O.P.E.)
Cajun Vic
Andy Windack
Coffee Bean (Harvard/Main)
Don Jose's Mexican Restaurant (Lake Forest)
Artisan Gurus:
Justice Coleman (artwork)
Mike DeArman (Fusion Dance Team)
Des (artwork)
DJ Audible
DJ Mikey P
Derrick Engoy (spoken word)
Marissa Engoy (acoustic)
Tony Kim (artwork)
Matt Shockley (acoustic)
Ted Tanouye (balloon artist)
8.19.2009
8.18.2009
What's in the Fridge?
Amazing artwork by Tony Kim which was created for the party. Tony is creative leadership guru, executive pastor at Newsong Church and creator of Design Stars. He's an inspirational leader and role model for me so it was a HUGE privilege to have him share his time and talents for the event. Thanks, Tony!Yes, it's a fridge.
8.10.2009
Can anyone say... GUMBO?!
Louisana may be miles away but on August 15 we get to experience the best of Southern Lousiana through Cajun Vic's creations!
So You Think You Can Dance?!
I definitely can't dance, but Fusion can! Mike DeArman and team from Mika Community Development Corporation will be bustin' out the moves on Saturday. Come out to get to know...
FUSION: uniting dance, culture, and diversity to create harmony
FUSION: uniting dance, culture, and diversity to create harmony
8.05.2009
8.04.2009
What's Goin' Down at 5Eleven!
Hey party people, here's what you have to look forward to on August 15:
4:00pm -FOOD (served until 8pm) & Balloon Creations for the kids!
5:00pm -Live Music w/ Marissa Engoy
6:15pm -Dance w/ Fusion (Mike DeArman and Crew)
7:00pm -Live Music w/ Matt Shockley
8:00pm -Music w/ Derrick Engoy
9:00pm -Dance w/Fusion
9:15pm -DANCING! w/ DJ Audible
4:00pm -FOOD (served until 8pm) & Balloon Creations for the kids!
5:00pm -Live Music w/ Marissa Engoy
6:15pm -Dance w/ Fusion (Mike DeArman and Crew)
7:00pm -Live Music w/ Matt Shockley
8:00pm -Music w/ Derrick Engoy
9:00pm -Dance w/Fusion
9:15pm -DANCING! w/ DJ Audible
8.03.2009
East West Productions!
Shana Fu from East West Event Productions to help coordinate on August 15! Shana's got mad event coordinating skillz. I first met Shana when she was planning an awareness arts event on Human Trafficking. She's got a real heart for event coordinating for a purpose! Check out the website just to get a small glimpse of what she can do: www.eastwesteventproductions.com
7.23.2009
Wind Attack: The Palate Pleaser!
Andy Windak of famed food blog, The Wind Attack, will be tantalizing our taste buds with savory, delectable treats. With a global food theme of "Little Bites Around the World," he and others will contribute tasty morsels engaging our imagination and experiences from around the globe!
Make sure to check out his utterly sumptuous and beautiful creations at http://www.windattack.com.
7.20.2009
The Facts...
Homelessness in
- women and children (families) are the greatest increasing population of homelessness
Source: http://www.endhomelessness.org/
Poverty and Education in
- The Los Angeles Times ranked
- Fifty six percent of all gangs in
- 17 percent of people live in poverty. 21 percent of related children under 18 live below the poverty level, compared with 13 percent of people 65 years old and over.
- Fourteen percent of all families and 31 percent of families with a female householder and no husband present had incomes below the poverty level (as compared to the 6 percent of all families living below the poverty level in the all of Orange County)
- 50 percent of people 25 years and over had at least graduated from high school and 11 percent had a bachelor's degree or higher. Fifty percent were dropouts; they were not enrolled in school and had not graduated from high school (as compared to 18 percent were dropouts in all of
Source:
Source:
Foster Kids in
- Over 3000 children in
- Almost 300 foster care teens each year emancipate or “age-out” of the dependency system at age 18.
- Nationally, 25 to 50 percent of emancipated youth become homeless. Lack of job skills and opportunities are major contributors.
- The 1999/2000 Orange County Grand Jury reported that within 12-18 months after leaving the foster care system 27% of males and 10% of females had been incarcerated.
- It is estimated that two thirds or more of prison inmates were in foster care.
Source: http://www.orangewoodfoundation.org/about_abuse.asp
7.11.2009
Why PATH?
What Grace cares about...
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)
www.epath.org
PATH Core Values
Mission: "To break the cycle of homelessness by empowering people with tools for self-sufficiency."
Approach: To help homeless individuals and families find work, save money, secure housing, and empower their lives.
PATH Mall: Borrowing from the effective "one-stop" model, PATH created the PATHMall, a unique kind of mall designed to offer support for the homeless. At the PATHMall, homeless people can literally "shop" for services provided by over 20 on-site service providers, all under one roof! Some of the services available at the PATHMall include case management, substance abuse counseling, a job center, mental health services, legal advocacy, healthcare, and even a beauty salon, all free of charge.
PATH Regional Homeless Center
340 N. Madison Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Tel: (323) 644-2200
Email: path@epath.org
www.lahomelessblog.org
There are, undeniably, many important causes highlighting the plight of those in need, locally and globally. For many, even myself, it is unsettling to bear witness to the problems in our own backyard. However, I consider it a privilege and responsibility to engage with my community, on issues relevant to the very people whom I live amongst. I have seen and experienced the transforming work that PATH is committed to--in helping individuals and families receive opportunities for health, restoration, and...a home. Anthony, a former client whom I recently caught up with at our Homeless Connect Day in Hollywood, thoughtfully shared his story of having come to the previous year's event as a homeless individual needing services and housing and participating at this year's event as a volunteer who had successfully utilized our program and had celebrated being recently housed into an apartment! Anthony's story is one of many that continues to instill purpose and passion in what I do. I hope you'll join me in making an impact in our community by participating with us. I look forward to seeing you all there!
7.08.2009
Matt Shockley to perform!
Matt Shockley and band will be performing in the evening. His music makes me want to dance and brings a smile to my face. He's a genuine guy with a great sound. Check out his website: www.mattshockley.com and meet him in person at the party.
Why 511?
What Angela cares about...511 - Santa Ana's Creative Space
511.urbanartsoutreach.org
511 Core Values
Connect (Love) people by providing a safe place for our community.
Cultivate (Learn) arts by developing our unique skills and showing respect to those who came before us.
Collaborate (Serve) ideas by sharing our resources and experiences to build each other.
I believe in the values of 511 and the positive impact it is making in the community. I want to see 511 move forward to carry out its vision. Even though the site is fairly new (opened Spring 2009) there are already some exciting projects taking place: PROJECTS. Gifts given at the party will go towards outfitting the center with equipment, furniture and other items needed to assist in current and future projects. Please consider giving generously to the movement at 511, and on August 15, you'll get a taste of what it's all about!
A Bit Narcissistic, Are We?
A friend said that I must really love myself to throw a big birthday bash for ME a month after my birthday (actual date: today - 7-8-9). Um... perhaps, but what I love more is the thought of bringing friends together to experience art, community and social justice, in support of a great cause. Besides, I figure this party can compensate for all the missed birthday parties from years past (I'm a summer baby so no school friends to celebrate with!).How it all came about...
Grace and I have been friends for just over a year and the moment we met, we just knew... kindred spirits! So it made sense to throw a party for the things we care about before Grace leaves for Chicago. It was clear to us that we had to do something that would go towards our communities: a memorable experience for our friends and a chance to support the work and vision of PATH and 511. So please join us and invite your friends for food, entertainment, and an opportunity to give back to the community. See you on August 15!
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