Locations: Cornerstone Foundation Soup Kitchen, Bernard Park, Kamora’s Cultural Corner
Good Evening Everyone!!
Happy Father’s Day/Parents Day to all of the single parents doing the job as both, all you fathers helping your kids grow up and everyone who has stood in the role as a father/adult figure in someone’s life whether it was known or not. We write this blog post today not as individual people talking about support systems but talking about all of those who raised us and built us into the people we have become and the people we will grow into as time goes on. We want to say thank you to each and every person who has impacted another person’s life and stepped into a role.
The day before the event:
This weekend started off with its own challenges. I went out to collect our Panera Donations for Saturday as we only had this location as a pick-up for this weekend. We received 2 boxes of bread and then a box of pastries which we saved to hand out at the park event the following day.
The Day of the Events:
Saturday Morning, I went and delivered the donations to the Cornerstone Foundation Soup Kitchen and afterward we all met up with Moms Demand Action at Bernard Park. We were there to hand out our care packages as well as continue the clean-up around the park.
This week our care packages came in colorful drawstring backpacks courtesy of Moms Demand Action, as well as bandanas, candy, re-usable water bottles, and water. After the table was set up with the care packages; which contained personal hygiene products, a bandana, masks, a water bottle, snacks, and candy; Ashlei and Abigail started walking around the park picking up trash, weeds in the garden, and other things that were out of place. While they were cleaning up around the park with the Moms Demand Action crew, I was at the table handing out the care packages and handed out over 25 in the first half-hour. It was exciting to see how many people were interested in what our bags contained this week and to see all the fun colors. I know rainbow colors can make people happy so to see people’s faces light up when they have options warmed all of our hearts.
As we celebrated pride month we were also able to share a little extra happiness with the many people there at the park. As we spoke to some and received a prayer from another, it was great to be able to share with them stories and help in bringing a smile to their faces. To see that they were all thankful, also offering to share their stories and help us clean the park alongside embracing the Moms Demand Action crew was indeed a great moment.
Although this weekend’s event started early it was a great time.
From this point we shall switch from Katie to Ashlei’s point of view.
We were also fortunate in being able to partner again with M & D Creations LLC and spread our message at a new tabling event.
At around 3 p.m. on Saturday Abigail and myself, Ashlei, we met up to reach our next destination, Kamora’s Cultural Corner on 75 Sterling St in Hartford. We do encourage everyone to visit and enjoy such a great space that is for the community. We were fortunate to be able to set-up a table there, but the weather was not that nice. As set-up was underway, rain was also there. Unfortunately, we had to re-strategize and think of a plan. Therefore while I went to the nearest Walmart to see how lucky we were to get a tent, Abby stayed behind to watch our table and continue to update me on the weather.
We were lucky to find 1 tent and 2 chairs just in the first 20 minutes of my searching. I was really glad I was able to find it, now for next time, we are always prepared. Once I headed back and we finished setting up, just in time for the next rain cloud to come by, it was time for the event to start. Although it had rained, from between 5 .p.m. to 9 p.m. it was nice and no rain was there. We were able to make some amazing connections and received some donations and great responses to our mission. We were also able to take in the event, where they had invited 3 performers. They were all amazing and we shall see them again. Today’s event was a celebration of Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ pride but also of inclusion. No matter where you were from or how you identify we all always together united as one. Although we were unable to take pictures due to the weather and then the busy schedule we will make sure to do it next time.
It was an awesome day, it was a long day, but it was an amazing day full of connections, laughs, stories, and smiles. From our event to theirs we were all grateful for the opportunity, the welcome, and the help.
As we seek more events and continue to share our mission, we will keep you updated and encourage all to come along. Follow our journey and join us as well.
Until Next time, Stay Safe! Stay H.O.P.E.F.U.L!
Candy! 
Our care packages Sweet treats from Panera! Our New Table Set-up!
