Events
For quite some time I was eager to meet Lisa Mitts. Lisa’s courage and platform have been groundbreaking for our times. A vocalist, songwriter, and global advocate in rescuing victims of sex trafficking, Lisa is an all-time hero. The prevention of sex trafficking is one of the causes I truly believe in. I met Lisa the night of the premiere of her song “In Another Life.” I am so proud to know her. Lisa hosts a yearly concert/fundraising event to help save girls and women across the globe. I am honored and privileged to be joining her on stage. We look forward to seeing you there. For ticket information, please go to https://www.lisamittsmusic.com/
I was once at a ribbon cutting event in Los Angeles for a new building housing services to the community. As the mayor was cutting the ribbon he said, when you look at where your money goes you have to look at who does the most good. I always remembered that. Who does the most good. There are millions upon millions of charities and foundations worldwide. Each important, each impactful, each helping others, humanity, the environment, communities, our pets, our children, our people. Each and every organization matters. Sometimes though there is an organization that stands out beyond the beyond for their hard work, efforts and difference making. Unstoppable is just that organization. Founded by my amazing friend Cynthia Kersey, the Unstoppable Foundation empowers lives by ensuring an education to children by building classrooms in areas where an education was just a faraway dream. The Unstoppable Foundation has already constructed 125 new classrooms and renovated 18.They offer clean water and sanitation preventing and curing diseases in entire communities. Clean water has been brought to 25,000 people via boreholes and sustainable water systems and 90 Latrine blocks have been built and installed . They provide nutritional daily meals to children and to their families. They have delivered 1.5 million nutritious meals. They create healthcare and health clinics and offer training in sustainability supporting 23 communities in Kenya. The Unstoppable Foundation has served over 41,000 children and nearly 100,000 individuals. Wow! They have additionally built or renovated 25 ancillary structures (libraries, teacher quarters) and they have launched the Unstoppable Leadership Academy, supporting youth and adult scholarship programs. I never miss an Unstoppable event or a chance to support this incredible foundation. Cynthia Kersey the founder and her husband and remarkable life partner Blaine Bartlett were also Knighted. When people ask me; “What does it take to be Knighted?” It takes heart, commitment, and the true desire to serve and to make a difference. I am proud to stand alongside Cynthia and Blaine not just as a Knight and as a Dame but as a friend and as a Global Mover and Shaker to step up and help. In 2008 Cynthia started Unstoppable on her Birthday and I have to tell you; I celebrate her every day. https://unstoppablefoundation.org/
There are very few things that I consider must dos in my life. Saying thank you, and please, letting people know how much that I love them and attending certain events that forever change lives and make a profound difference in the future of a child or someone in need. The first time I was invited to a One Voice event I was told that the entire project was the brainstorm of a college sociology class, 4 students turned their final project into a holiday food drive for needy families in the winter, not only did it work but it has effectively moved the needle for years in elevating and enhancing lives.
There are several ways to help. You can go a hanger in the airport, hanger after hanger is filled with men, women and children putting together gift bags for families in need. Not just one hanger, multiple hangers with over 2000 volunteers filled with caring souls lending a hand to assist. Entire Fortune 500 companies bring their entire staff and C Suite to help. Small business owners, Mom’s, Dad’s, Little League Teams, Neighbors, Families, Friends, all ages and all sizes of helping hands. The bags are filled with clothing, toys or whatever the family may need.
Next comes the drivers that carry all the filled bags to the head start give away locations.
At centers and schools, the giveaway bags are placed in order, a family of 5 needs more food than a family of three, everyone will receive food, toys and gifts.
The day of the event the families arrive. The staff are clearly instructed. This is not to be a poor person’s give away. You are inviting these families to the best party and the best day of their lives.
Every child is hugged. Adults too. Every child is seen, and their names are used. As the kids meet Santa, the parents are given food and gifts and toys for their children for Christmas. They are fed. Many families haven’t eaten in days. Here there is food to enjoy, face painting, balloon animals, music, and even live reindeer. There is a book section where every child can pick out a book in their own language and there is joy.
One Voice also adopts entire families for a year. Providing food, furniture, supplies, care and love. There is also a college scholarship program. Every greeting card you purchase helps to educate a child. I have never been hugged like I have been hugged by the children at One Voice. I have never seen smiles that broad, laughter that melodic or joy so richly expressed. One Thought, One Idea and One Voice can indeed change the world.
