September 2014 Newsletter
In this issue:
Band Together + Hopscotch + HOPEscotch!
Hopscotch Music Festival returns September 4-6 in downtown Raleigh, bringing more music including BT alums Lonnie Walker, headliners, De La Soul and bands with excellent names like How to Dress Well, Jacuzzi Boys and Potty Mouth. Almost 40% of the festival’s performers hail from NC so come on out and show some support.
And because the Triangle needs one more reason to party, we’re kicking off our own FREE Day Party – HOPEscotch – on Friday 9/5, from 12-5pm at Deep South the Bar. We’ll have music from our friend Blake Christiana (of Yarn), plus Erin Nenni, Steve Howell and Caroline Mamoulides, Season and Snare, and The Arcane Heart.
And we’re going to have some fun interactive stuff going on, a school supplies drive, t-shirts for sale, Dare To Care challenges – and of course great Band Together friends.PLUS - Looking to volunteer? We've got lots of cool jobs you can help out with, if you'd call "manning a corn hole game" a job? Visit our volunteer sign-up link to learn more.back to top
Volunteer with us during the 9/11 Day of Service
The idea for Band Together came from the tragedy on 9/11. In keeping with that legacy, won’t you join us to commemorate 9/11? We’re going to join hundreds of volunteers in service projects benefiting charities around Raleigh and the Triangle through Activate Good’s 3rd annual Activate Raleigh 9/11 Day of Service! You can volunteer of one of 60+ service projects happening at varying times and locations around Raleigh and the Triangle.And, the evening of 9/11 join with the community at Red Hat Amphitheater for a family-friendly Evening Commemoration and Service Projects. Participants are asked to bring a non-perishable, healthy food item donation for the Urban Ministries of Wake County food pantry. Go HERE to RSVP for the evening commemoration event and service projects.back to top
StepUp: Jamila Smith
“Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” 
Yes NoFor Jamila Smith, she has to check “yes.” And every time she does, she watches her qualified application get moved to a tall pile of rejected applications. No questions asked. This is her reality as a 31 year-old, single mother, honorable veteran – and convicted felon.
With bills, stresses and worries piling up and unable to balance it all, Jamila made some mistakes and in 2010, was convicted of a felony. She served her sentence and re-entered society with a debilitating record, low self-esteem, no job, and a son to feed. That’s when she came through StepUp Ministry.Job Training taught her how to talk about her record, communicate better, prepare, ask for help, and how to utilize her skill set. She gave 100%, StepUp gave 100%; they supported her, but did not hold her hand. They taught the steps, but she had to take them.With a job at the Alexander Family YMCA, she was ready for the year-long Life Skills class. “It inspired me to think outside the box,” said Jamila. “In fact, StepUp taught me that it’s better not to make a box at all. They taught my son Desmond and me the skills we both desperately needed to learn: how to budget, how to manage emotions, how to relate with family, how to balance life and how to prepare. Now, my 11-year-old tells me what’s in the budget and what’s not!”This past April, Desmond and Jamila graduated from the Life Skills class. She plans to join the entrepreneur class, open up a hairstyling shop and one day to volunteer at StepUp.back to top
New Board Members
We’re only as good as our volunteers and our leaders. That’s why we’re excited to announce the addition of four new directors to our board and four new advisory board members. Welcome!Board of Directors: (left to right in photo)
- Will Bowen, Covidien
- Raiford Garrabrant, Cree
- Elizabeth Merritt, Cherokee
- Mike Ferguson, WakeMed Physician Practices
New Advisory Board Members:
- Pat Dickenson, Lincoln Theatre
- Hooker Manning, Duke Realty Corporation
- Josie Reeves, Kane Realty Corporation
- Danny Rosin, Brand Fuel
We are honored to add these talented and hardworking individuals to our team. Their combined passion and dedication to contributing to our community will serve Band Together very well as we continue to raise the bar.During their three-year term, board members’ responsibilities involve governance, strategy, fundraising – and having a lot of fun along the way.New advisory board members will join 45 business and community leaders. During their three-year term, advisory board members’ responsibilities include annual and long-term fundraising and providing advice to the Band Together Board of Directors.back to top