Cash Money Records taking over for the 99 (as the beat drops) How many of my splashy readers would get hype off of that introduction? Well, that was how excited and grateful the community of Harlem was courtesy of Cash Money for the extension of their generosity. The annual tradition of hosting turkey giveaways continued yesterday at the Harlem YMCA (180 West 135th Street) from 2pm-6pm yesterday Tuesday, November 20th. The New York giveaway is the third consecutive giveaway of its kind in Harlem catering to disadvantage families as they had the opportunity of being blessed with a turkey and all of the Thanksgiving fixings. New Orleans own Ronald “Slim” and Bryan “Birdman” Williams also extend their support in hosting turkey giveaways in Miami and New Orleans. This incentive drew a huge crowd along the sidewalk of Harlem.
There was a pre-registration for the event and it was an easy process as each station flowed and the volunteers helped to navigate the attendees and kept it traffic free. Upon checking in you received a wrist band once you entered the gym where a Cash Money volunteer and Shirronda Sweet greeted you with a warm welcome and handed you a red bag filled with the fixings. What were the fixings you ask? (Jiffy cornbread, Stove Top stuffing, Kraft macaroni and cheese, Duncan Hines cake frosting, Uncle Ben’s rice, Ocean Spray cranberry sauce). As you walked forward you were also given a Norbest turkey and a bottle of 4c juice by AO (street baller) or Cory Gunz who were in attendance. YMCMB aritist Karine Hannah, Trend$ (the fashionable rapper/actor) and Jimbo from a very imperative organization Guns Down Life Up http://www.thefundforhhc.org also came to show their support for this humbling experience.
Young Money/Cash Money have partnered with Iceberg Guards (Dental) and Harlem Hospital (Medical) to provide free health screening. Vital information pertaining to health was rendered teeth cleaning and evaluations were given by Dr. Lee Gause (Floyd Mayweather’s personal dentist and dentist to the stars) of Smile design Manhattan (24 W 57th St #507) and Harlem Hospital’s Jeanette N. and personnel were offering flu shots, screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, STD’s, condom distribution and massages. Metro Plus representative Deandra Thompson was on site helping attendees without health insurance get the proper tools to follow up and receive health benefits.
I commend Ronald “Slim” and Bryan “Birdman” because their philanthropy is enhancing the community so many times success drives people away from associating with their hardship and the most powerful asset away from the community teaching others their is a way out. So often people forget that the shoe could easily be on the other foot and they could be in need or that they once were on the opposing side of the fence receiving because of their financial state. We must teach the younger generation the value of not taking life’s simplest gestures and privileges for granted. This is year eighteen that they have kept this tradition alive in honor of their parents, via the Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation.
The volunteers dressed red and white YMCMB T-shirts were from the OBT (Opportunites for a Better Tomorrow) program I had the pleasure of having a conversation with Rashina James who informed me of the advantages of the program. The group of volunteers were supervised by Stacey Sullivan and the program consists of helping disadvantaged youth and adults (18-24) recognize their own self-worth, and advance towards self-sufficiency and financial security through job training, academic reinforcement, improved life skills, job placement, and support services. For more information on this project visit http://www.obtjobs.org
I had the honor of giving away this dinner to the Williams (pure coincidence) family of 4. The conversation started because he admired my sweater and I admired his hat. We then started talking about the holiday season and life in general. As he was in the middle of talking I said “I need your help.” Mr. Williams said “Sure” I then reached under the table of where I was sitting and asked him to help me wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. He was so elated and it made me feel as if the purpose of the giveaway was fulfilled.
Ronald “Slim” Williams stated, “It’s one of the most important things we do.We’re very happy to once again expand each of these giveaways this year and be able to help more people than ever before. We’re just thankful we get the chance to do this.”
Birdman added, “For all that we’re blessed with, giving back is crucial. It’s an honor to serve the community, and that’s something we take a lot of pride in. We want to do more and more every year, and we’re all very excited about what’s happening in 2014.”
I wish Bryan “Birdman” and Ronald “Slim” much success as they continue their incentive program servicing the community in 3 cities. Special thank you to Brandon your organization skills are superb and I appreciate the extension of this opportunity. I am looking forward to next year!
Enjoy the Holiday season splashy readers! Don’t forget to smile today. #iSmileforAngele
Chanel Speedy®️ 