What do you do when Java Burritos’ Michael and Frederika Fekete inform you that they’re internet hosting a fundraiser for Jennifer Graham’s Shelter From The Rain? You head downtown on Tues., August 30 to help the brand new children on the block with one of many fiercest non-profits on the town!
Parking in entrance of Kristen Harkleroad’s honey retailer on Broughton St., I poke my head in to inform her, “I higher see you throughout the road at 5:30pm!” Realizing there’s a cocktail ready for her, she yells again, “In fact I’m coming, I’m calling all my mates to remind them to convey diapers and I’m giving freely a Capital Bee Co. reward basket!”
Crossing the road, I discover my host couple, Micheal and Frederika, opening their entrance doorways for early friends. Assuring me they’ve a couple of minutes to speak, the duo inform me Savannah was their first alternative for his or her second location.
“We had large success in our Hilton Head location however Savannah was at all times on our radar. We have now dreamed of having the ability to immerse ourselves in such a robust hospitality neighborhood. Having Savannah open her arms to us is a blessing and we hope to have the ability to give again with neighborhood occasions like tonight’s with Jennifer.”
Passing by the espresso/spirited drink bar, I head over to satisfy tonight’s entertainer, Hilton Head guitarist and trumpet participant Dean St. Hillaire. I then pose Frederika with Savannah media maven Tanya Milton and tonight’s occasion coordinator Marianne Ganem Poppell. Wiping her face, Marianne feedback on this blasted warmth then we hit the room for pictures with Jennifer Graham of Shelter From The Rain.
At all times a fan of Jennifer and her bubbly character, I pause the chief director for an replace on SFTR. “Having neighborhood companions like Java Burrito, Savannah Grasp Calendar and Step One Automotive permits us to supply single dad and mom with the child provides, counseling providers, digital tutoring and a mentorship program,” shares the only mother.
After pics of Becca Rivera along with her bestie, the aforementioned Kristen Harkleroad, and Brian Judson with my new photographer Kaitlin Sells, I pause for a pic of Outdated City Trolley’s Jim Rafferty with Tourism Management Councils’ Ron Self. Tapping me on my shoulder for a pic with Marianne Greer is likely one of the most fascinating new faces in Savannah.
Meet Jordi Granger! Shifting to Savannah to be nearer to her sister’s household, the Puerto Rico native tells me how a lot she loves teaching her 12 yr previous nephew in little league baseball. What I discover fascinating concerning the occasion planner and enterprise marketing consultant is that she performed offense and protection for the USA Girls’s Staff and Girls’s Soccer Alliance. Who else are you aware that has performed skilled soccer for 15 years? That’s the best job ever!
Talking of cool, I seize a free cookie crumble milkshake and get sugar chills earlier than working over to hug my Latina mates Lisette Riccelli, Jessika Garcia and Rosa Gonzalez Phelps. Whereas congratulating Rosa on her “surprising shock”, I see her husband Dwayne arrive in his Military uniform.
Strolling in with him is Military veteran and State Farm Insurance coverage agent Vernon Donovan. Busy inviting everybody he meets to his AMBUCS fundraiser/birthday celebration on September 22 at Stafford’s Public Home, Vernon slows right down to pose for a pic with my Step One Auto household Maja Ciric and Jonathan Oppenheim.
Not often can somebody put on a full beard in addition to Jonathan! As Step One’s digital graphic design/ videographer guru, I ask for an replace on his ardour mission. “Jim Goodlett is producing a brief movie linking Porsche’s legacy in off-road racing. I’m a fortunate sufficient to be the man directing, filming and producing reside racing content material. Think about cameras being mounted to bumper of a Porsche because it races by way of mud, gravel, water, even a river crossing!” shares the automobile fanatic.
Nicely hey Stephen Plunk! Would you prefer to pose for a pic with Christi Kempf, Macey Fordham and Maura O’Donnell? “I insist,” shares the South of DeRenne Avenue organizer. Beside them are Rotary peeps Laura Lane McKinnon and Zerik Samples who invited me to Habitat for Humanity’s Hops for Habitat at Moodright’s on Abercorn on September 27.
Arriving subsequent is none apart from our Mayor Van Johnson. In a jubilant temper, the Mayor works the rooms with numerous grip-and-grins, poses for some selfies then slows down for an introduction to Frederika and Michael.
Exterior for the ribbon chopping, I wrangle collectively the Mayor, the Fekete’s then yell for Marianne to get within the photograph. Smile, lower the ribbon and wave y’all! Welcome to the neighborhood and thank y’all for opening your doorways to fundraise for the small however mighty Shelter From The Rain!
