The Mayor of NYC Bill Blasio awarded the #iSmileForAngele campaign efforts in the 1st Annual Kick Back Against Bullying Sneaker Drive during Suicide Prevention Month.
Hiiii splashy readers this weekend was nothing short of AMAZING! On Saturday September 30th at Bakery HNY sneaker store [1457 Amsterdam Avenue] the #iSmileForAngele 1st Annual Kick Back Against Bullying Sneaker Drive was held. The mission of the event was to service children within our communities and school system who maybe homeless or living in shelters by providing new or gently used sneakers as we fight to prevent bullying. The reassurance of confidence starts within our children knowing they are important and valued.
Bakery HNY
Donated kicks
Donated kicks
I am excited to type 325 sneakers were allocated to 3 shelters in Harlem. Upon delivering the donated sneakers I learned that many families were displaced due to a huge fire over the weekend. That made me feel good knowing that families will benefit from all of the contributions. The day was filled with laughs, support and most of all love. I grew up in Harlem and my mother has always instilled that helping others in need is a blessing as you are so fortunate in life. Every donated sneaker was accompanied with an inspirational note to reassurance the recipient that you are worthy and you will rise from your present circumstance.
My support system entrepreneurs Gracie and Latoya.
Everyone came together from a simple idea that was executed by teamwork. I am still in awe and glad that I can be of assistance in any way possible. If you have a goal, write it down, build a team and DO IT! I could not have completed my mission without the help of Gracie Cedres, Latoya Wyman, Kathleen Delva and Cheo owner of Bakery HNY; they all were key component parts alongside every single person who donated their new/gently used sneakers and new socks!
Cheo and Kathleen posing in Bakery HNY sneaker store with some of the donated kicks from the event.
It was a great day at the start of the event it drizzled a little bit however, the love of giving back outweighed the rain with sunshine. The day was beautiful as kid’s joined and learned the importance of helping others in need. Papa John’s pizza was sponsored by Indie Brokers and it was nice to see children interacting with adults playing charades.
Overall, the event was a success and it just goes to show how a simple idea can take off with support from your community. The donations will allievate parents, bring smiles to children’s face and make the donators feel impactful that their contribution helped. I will continue to team up with other driven entrepreneurs to ensure we do our part in seeing that there is change with gestures, education and fun in the community.
Chanel Speedy®️ 