What Will You Do In The New Year….

It’s a New Year…when our lives turn a page from the past and look forward to the future. Many of us make New Year’s Resolutions to improve our lives…things like losing weight or getting more exercise. But newscaster, Ann Curry suggests a way for all of us to impact not only our lives but the lives of others in her “26 Acts of Kindness” campaign.

The terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary still weighs heavy on my heart. Whether it is the senselessness of the violence, happening so close to the holidays, or the thought of 26 lives whose futures are unfulfilled, this event has made me, like so many others, reflect on the impact my decisions have on the lives of others. My Irish grandmother always taught me that any act…good or bad…would return to us “three-fold”. She did this to show us the importance of every decision we make.

It is with this in mind that I fully embrace and wish to expand on Ann Curry’s vision – in which she invites us all to commit 26 acts of random kindness…one to represent each life lost that terrible day. I propose that we expand on that idea and make it our New Year’s Resolution to commit 26 WEEKS of Random Kindness.  Six months of committing simple acts that will brighten and improve the lives of others. It can be as grand as a sizable monetary donation to a local charity, or as humble as holding the door open for an elderly person. These acts can be committed every day of the 26 weeks, or just one per week…the choice is yours. Are you with me?

Greenville has had a long tradition of helping others. It should come as no surprise to most that our hometown was recently recognized as one of the “Most Giving Cities in the US.”  It is…after all…”The Greenville Way”.

So, I hope that you will join me in taking part in this mission. To find out more about the “26 Acts” Campaign, visit their Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/26acts. Join thousands of others who have committed themselves to this cause. ..You’ll be glad you did!

A Womanless Beauty Pageant, a Party of Red, Some Musical Mayhem & Lots of Little Rubber Duckies…

What do a Beauty Pageant where men dress as women, a call to Paint the Town Red, a Concert with some of Greenville’s Best Bluegrass and a bunch of little Rubber Ducks have in common? A week full of fun, all for great causes! This week, some Downtown Greenville venues will play host to 4 fundraisers that are so much fun, it outta be illegal!

The first event is the 5^th Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant, hosted by the St. Francis First Mates. On Wednesday, May 2^nd, the stage at The Handlebar will be “graced” by the “alluring beauty” of several contestants – who in their “real” lives are not only local physicians, health care providers, business owners and other professionals, but real men!  Dressing the part of the stereotypical beauty queen, and performing various “talents” for your amusement, this group of guys are good sports for a great cause! Funds raised will benefit the local chapter of The American Cancer Society & Relay for Life.  The contestants take the stage at 7:30PM and tickets are on sale now for $15 in advance, $20 at the door. So come on out and have a good laugh at the expense of these brave male souls! For more information, visit The Handlebar’s website at www.handlebar-online.com.

 The next event is also one of Greenville’s favorite May events – The Red Party. Each year, AID Upstate invites others to “Dine With Friends” as part of their annual fundraising and Aids Awareness campaign. After having dinner with your pals, participants are invited to The Red Party to enjoy drinks at the cash bar and free desserts. Everyone is welcome to attend this year’s Salsa-themed soiree at ZEN Greenville on Saturday, May 5^th. The steel drums and the flowing rum will start up at 9PM and last until midnight! There is no need to purchase advance tickets, but a $50 donation is requested (and greatly appreciated) at the door. Funds raised will provide supportive services to those Upstate families affected by HIV/AIDS.  For more information on The Red Party, AID Upstate or to participate in “Dining With Friends” visit www.theredparty.com.

The Handlebar steps up again to lend its venue to a great cause!  This Saturday, they will play host to the best in blues, bluegrass and rock n’ rhythm at Musical MAYhem!  Featuring such local gems as Fat Cat Daddy, Neal Carpenter & The Younger Brothers, The Broadcast and Sanctum Sully, this event will set your toes to tappin’ and your tail feathers to shakin’! The show starts at 7PM and benefits Gateway House, a local non-profit that assists adults who are battling mental illness. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.handlebar-online.com.

Last but certainly not least on the list is the 2012 Reedy River Duck Derby! Let Kentucky keep their thoroughbred racing horses, we’ve got cute ‘lil rubber duckies! This most beloved of Downtown’s annual events takes place Saturday, May 5^th at Reedy River Falls Park and benefits the many local charities assisted by the Rotary Club of Greenville. A mere $5 will purchase a certified racing duck to enter in the race (MUCH less expensive than a horse), or you can purchase a “Quack Pack” for $25 and receive 6 ducks for the price of 5 (all to better your chances of victory). The race starts at 2:30PM with participants battling for an array of fabulous prizes. If you would like to purchase a duck for the race or wish to find out more about this event, visit: www.reedyriverduckderby.com.

So there you have it – FOUR fantastically fun events that’ll tickle your funny bone, shake your booty and help your neighbors in need – what could be better?  Now all I have to do is find a tiny little jockey to ride my Duck Derby entry! See y’all Downtown!