Snowflakes of Serenity holiday event highlights group’s mission for LGBT people of color
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| INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE | Men of Essence recently presented checks to representatives of Bryan’s House and Hopeful Solutions representing proceeds from MoE’s annual Snowflakes of Serenity fundraising party. The event also benefited MoE’s own scholarship fund. |
Earlier this month, the Men of Essence Foundation hosted its second Snowflakes of Serenity charity event at the Doubletree Hotel in North Dallas.
With a silent auction of autographed sports memorabilia and high-end gifts from donors such as the Dallas Mavericks, Casa Manana Theatre and Jame Avery Jewelry, the foundation announced, it was able to contribute to both Bryan’s House and Hopeful Solutions as well as invest in the foundation’s own scholarship fund.
"It makes me extremely happy to be able to say that Men of Essence gives back to society," President and Co-founder Daymond Lavine said.
Snowflakes of Serenity collected more than 100 toys for the children of Bryan’s House, a facility providing care for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
"The Annual Snowflakes of Serenity Toy Drive will benefit 50 children who live challenging lives this holiday," Bryan’s House Executive Director David Thomas said. "We appreciate everything the Men of Essence do for the community."
In addition to donating to Hopeful Solutions, an agency that provides assistance to homeless single mothers, Men of Essence contributed to its own youth scholarship program that honors LGBT students heading to college.
Men of Essence Foundation is an organization with a mission to represent the gay community of color, Levine said. But the group also focuses its charitable efforts on the needs of disadvantaged youth with the idea that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, he said.
He said Snowflakes of Serenity exemplifies the group’s mission.
"Now, we’ve even taken our S.O.S event to another level, donating not only toys, but also a monetary award to a much deserving fledgling organization, Hopeful Solutions. I’m very proud to be a founding member of an organization that meets the needs of others in such creative ways. I can’t wait for us to spread our wings again in 2010," Levine said. •
For more information, visit EssenceMen.org.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 25, 2009.