Category: Real Life

Honoring Hunger Fighters Who Inspire Us All

Black History Month: Honoring Hunger Fighters Who Inspire Us All

On By cmanneringIn Real LifeLeave a comment

We think Black History Month is not only about the past. It is also about the Black leaders right now who are building a world where everyone eats with dignity.

This year, we chose to highlight a handful of Black-led and youth-led groups in our region whose work lines up with our own mission: getting good food to people who need it, treating everyone with respect, and showing that you are never too young (or too small) to make a difference.

Our spotlight list stretches from Philadelphia and Chester to Baltimore and Brooklyn, and then comes right back home to Wilmington and Newark. These are neighbors in our wider community, all fighting hunger in creative and courageous ways.

Below is the article version of what we are sharing on social media all month long. Feel free to explore their work, follow them, and use their stories as fuel for your own.

Everybody Eats: Chefs Turning A Food Hall Into A Hunger Solution

Everybody Eats Foundation grew out of a group of Black chefs who refused to watch their neighbors go hungry. They started by hosting pop-up events in parking lots and neighborhoods, serving chef-cooked meals to people facing food insecurity and homelessness around Philly.

Their work eventually found a home at a collaborative space in Chester, where the movement set up inside a food hall and later launched Everybody Eats Cafe, a Black-owned cafe feeding local families and reinvesting back into their nonprofit mission. The idea is simple: use a business that sells great food to help fund work that gives great food away.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They show how professional skills in the kitchen can become a powerful tool to fight hunger.
  • They treat community members like guests, not charity cases.
  • They are close by in Chester, which makes them feel like cousins to us here in Delaware.

For our 3B kids and supporters, Everybody Eats is a reminder that you can take something you love, like cooking, and aim it straight at a real problem.

Youth Food Security Network: Teens Leading An Online Food Pantry

Youth Food Security Network (YFSN) is exactly what it sounds like: a group of young people in Baltimore who decided they were not going to wait for adults to fix teen hunger.

Working with HeartSmiles and No Kid Hungry, they launched a youth-led virtual food pantry. Teen leaders like Autumn, Don, and Mya helped design surveys, pick grocery items, and get funding so that families could order food that fits their culture and needs and have it delivered right to their door.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They prove that teenagers can design serious, thoughtful solutions to food insecurity.
  • They are honest about their own experiences with hunger and use that lived knowledge as expertise.
  • They remind our 3B crew that if you understand a problem, you are allowed to lead the way in solving it.

When we talk to students, we love pointing to YFSN and saying, “Look, this is what happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility.”

The Campaign Against Hunger: From One Mom To Millions Of Meals

In The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH), we see what long-term, Black-led food justice looks like.

More than twenty years ago, Dr. Melony Samuels responded to one mom in her Brooklyn church who was trying to feed four children. That church pantry grew into a full community program serving 50 families. Today, TCAH is one of New York City’s major food access organizations, providing tens of millions of nutritious meals through pantries, farms, mobile markets, and benefits support.

In 2024, Dr. Samuels was formally recognized as CEO and Founder of TCAH, honoring her decades of leadership in food and health equity in New York.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • Their story shows how something very small and local can grow over time into a life-changing safety net.
  • They combine emergency food with deeper advocacy, asking why so many families need food lines in the first place.
  • As a Black woman-led effort, they are a powerful example for kids who want to connect service with systems change.

For our 3B community, TCAH is a reminder that handing someone a bag of food is important, and so is fighting for a world where that bag is not needed.

Black Mothers In Power: Feeding The Village While Fighting For Maternal Justice

Black Mothers in Power (BMIP) is a Delaware-based group that focuses on Black maternal health and justice. Part of that work is making sure Black mothers and families have consistent access to healthy food.

At their BMIP Center in Wilmington, they run:

  • A 24/7 community fridge where anyone can take what they need, no questions asked.
  • A Relief Fund & Food Program that provides groceries, baby food, and essentials for families who are struggling.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They connect food to maternal health, showing that caring for moms means feeding the whole family.
  • They are right here in our own state, so their work feels very close to home.
  • Their community fridge is a concrete example of neighbors sharing with neighbors in a way that protects dignity.

As a Delaware nonprofit, we are proud to stand alongside BMIP and point young people toward their model of Black women-led, community-rooted care.

Humbly Assisting Humanity: Fighting Hunger One Meal At A Time

Humbly Assisting Humanity (HAH) is another Delaware effort we love. Founded by Shantel Love and her family, HAH has a clear mission: eliminate disparities in hunger by providing food, essentials, and resources to underserved neighbors across our state.

They have served thousands of meals in Newark and Wilmington through community cookouts, monthly outreach, and events such as “Pancakes & PJs,” which wrap families in comfort and care. Their fundraising materials say it plainly: every gift helps put food on the table one meal and one act of kindness at a time.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They are a family-founded, Black-led organization, much like 3B, which started from a kid and his family wanting to help.
  • They mix joy and fun with serious work, showing that justice can take the form of pancakes and smiles.
  • They focus on eliminating disparities, not just filling plates, which matches our belief that every community deserves the same chance to thrive.

We see HAH as proof that a small team of committed neighbors truly can move the needle on hunger right where they live.

Free Food For All Delaware: Dignity, Culture, And Chef Made Meals

Free Food For All Delaware (FFFA) was created by Chef Jamilah Abdullah after she experienced traditional food assistance that felt low quality and disconnected from her communitys needs.

Instead of accepting that, she started hosting free community meals that are farm fresh, Halal, and culturally grounded. FFFA serves restaurant style dishes at no cost, often in partnership with local farms and markets, and sometimes fills community fridges with extra portions so nothing is wasted.

Why we are lifting them up:

  • They show that people who are hungry deserve beautiful, thoughtfully prepared food, not just leftovers.
  • They name and challenge “food apartheid” and food deserts, especially in Black communities.
  • They model mutual aid, where everyone gives and receives over time, which is a powerful lesson for young volunteers.

For kids in 3B, FFFA sends a clear message: food is about respect and community, not only survival.

Why These Stories Matter For 3B

So why did we choose these particular groups for Black History Month? A few reasons:

  • They are Black-led or youth-led. Black leadership in food justice has always been vital, and these groups are carrying that history forward in the present.
  • They are close enough to feel real. From Chester and Philly to Baltimore, Brooklyn, Wilmington, and Newark, these are places our kids know and visit.
  • They represent many different ways to fight hunger. Chefs, moms, teens, pastors, families, mutual aid crews, and big nonprofits are all part of this picture.

For us at 3B, Black History Month is an invitation to honor this leadership and to ask, gently but clearly:

What part can I play?

How You Can Get Involved, At Any Age

Here are a few simple ideas you can try after reading about these amazing groups:

  • Follow and share. Follow these organizations on social media, like their posts, and share their work with your friends and family. Awareness really does matter.
  • Support if you are able. If your family or school can donate, even a little, consider giving to one of these groups as a Black History Month action.
  • Volunteer locally. Look for chances to help right here in Delaware, including with community fridges, food drives, or events run by the groups above.
  • Start something small. You do not have to build a giant nonprofit to make a difference. A class snack shelf, a school garden, a mini pantry at your church, or packing bags with us can all be powerful.

The hunger fighters we are spotlighting this month are proof that caring about people and taking one brave step can turn into something much bigger over time.

From our little corner at 3B, we are grateful to learn from them, cheer them on, and invite you to join in. Black history is being written in food lines, community fridges, and crowded kitchens every single day. You are very welcome to be part of it.

In 2026, Let Action Be Our Kindness

On By cmanneringIn Real LifeLeave a comment

Every New Year comes with a lot of big words.
Resolutions. Promises. Inspirational quotes. Long posts about how this year will finally be different.

Words can be wonderful. They can encourage, comfort, and inspire. At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, we are grateful for every kind comment, every supportive message, and every thoughtful conversation about hunger and homelessness.

But in 2026, we want to lean into something even stronger than kind words.

We want action to be our kindness.

Words are a start, but they are not the finish

Saying “no one should go hungry” is important.
Believing “everyone deserves a warm, safe place” really matters.

But for a person who is cold tonight or wondering where their next meal will come from, what they feel most is not our opinions. They feel what we actually do.

That is why 3B exists.

3B Brae’s Brown Bags started with one kid who wanted to hand healthy food, water, and simple supplies directly to people who needed them. A bag with a snack, a drink, and a note is not a speech. It is not a policy paper. It is a small act that says, “You matter. Someone sees you.”

In 2026, we are choosing:

  • Action over applause
  • Movement over rhetoric
  • Connection over judgment

Because change does not happen in a comment section. It happens when someone has the energy to get through the day because they ate. It happens when someone feels a little less invisible because a stranger stopped, listened, and cared.

Everyone is battling something

One of our core beliefs is simple: every person you see is battling something.

Some battles are easy to spot.
You can see the backpack that is actually holding everything someone owns.
You can see the shivering hands without gloves.
You can see the person sleeping on a bench.

Other battles are quieter.
Anxiety. Grief. Illness. Job loss. Addiction. Loneliness.

We do not always know a person’s story. We do not need to. What we do need is a starting point of compassion, not judgment.

When we pack brown bags, deliver healthy food, or offer a warm coat or blanket, we are not “saving” anyone. We are simply being good neighbors to people who are carrying heavy things.

What “neighbor” means to us

At 3B Brae’s Brown Bags, when we say “neighbor,” we do not just mean the person in the house next door.

Neighbor means:

  • The person waiting at the bus stop with a cart of belongings
  • The family living in a motel trying to stretch every dollar
  • The kid at school who is always extra hungry by lunchtime
  • The person you drive past downtown without making eye contact

We believe every person is our neighbor.
And neighbors deserve:

  • Healthy food
  • Warmth and basic supplies
  • Respect, dignity, and compassion

Food is not a luxury. Warmth is not a privilege. These are basic human needs.

How you can turn kindness into movement in 2026

You do not need a big budget or a big platform to make a real difference. You just need a willingness to act.

Here are a few ways to turn kind thoughts into kind movement this year:

  • Pack a 3B style bag
    Include a bottle of water, a healthy snack, maybe a piece of fruit, and a kind note. Keep a couple in your car or backpack to hand out when you see someone who might need it. If you would like to see our 3B insert shoot us an email at christy@braesbrownbags.org.
  • Host a drive at school or work
    Collect snack items, water, travel-sized toiletries, socks, and gloves. Turn it into a classroom or team project that teaches empathy in a hands-on way.
  • Share warmth
    Go through your winter gear. If you have extra coats, hats, scarves, or blankets, donate them. A single warm item can make a huge difference on a freezing night.
  • Choose eye contact and conversation
    A simple “Hi, how are you doing today?” can mean so much. Being seen and spoken to with respect is a powerful kind of care.
  • Support organizations doing the work
    Whether it is 3B or another local group, your time, donations, and encouragement help keep these efforts going all year long, not just during the holidays.

Thank you for walking with us

In 2026, we are not trying to be perfect. We are just trying to be present.

To everyone who has packed a bag, donated a snack, handed out water, invited Braeden to speak at a school, or simply talked with kids about food insecurity and kindness, thank you. You are part of this movement.

Our hope for this year is simple:

That more people are fed.
That more neighbors feel warmth.
That more of us choose action over applause, movement over rhetoric, and love that can actually be felt.

We are all battling something.
Let’s make sure that hunger and cold are not battles anyone has to face alone.

A man in a coat laying on a sidewalk with a sign that says help

The Harsh Reality of Winter for the Vulnerable

On By cmanneringIn Real LifeLeave a comment

Winter poses a significant threat to those without a stable home. The National Coalition for the Homeless notes that extreme cold weather can lead to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. For those living on the streets, the cold is not just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of survival. Shelters often become overwhelmed, and many are left to brave the elements.

A man in a coat laying on a sidewalk with a sign that says help

Food Insecurity in the Cold

The cold months also bring a unique set of challenges for food-insecure households. As reported by Axios, the combination of severe winter conditions and rising food prices creates a dire situation for vulnerable populations. Families must choose between keeping the heat on or buying groceries, a decision that can lead to dangerous health outcomes, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Resources in Delaware

  • DE 211: Delaware 2-1-1 stands as a vital lifeline for those grappling with homelessness and food insecurity. This free, confidential referral and information helpline connects individuals and families to essential health and human services across Delaware and Salem County, NJ.
  • Food Bank of Delaware: Through a network of community partners, the Food Bank of Delaware distributes food to over 114,000 food-insecure individuals, providing a critical lifeline during the winter months.
  • Friendship House of Delaware: Offers a range of services to support those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. From providing meals and emergency housing to facilitating access to medical care and community engagement, Friendship House embodies the spirit of compassion and empathy, ensuring that no one has to face the harsh winter alone.

Resources in Pennsylvania

  • PA 211: This service offers a comprehensive list of extreme weather shelters across Pennsylvania, including locations like Second Avenue Commons in Pittsburgh, which provides winter shelter and overflow options during severe weather conditions.
  • Delaware County: The county’s Homeless Services Coalition and Continuum of Care work to ensure barrier-free access to services for the homeless, including emergency shelters and rapid rehousing programs.
  • Philadelphia: Organizations like Project HOME and Philly House offer emergency shelters specifically for men and families, respectively, with extended capacity during Code Blue conditions.

Resources in Maryland

  • Maryland Department of Human Services: While the Bureau of Homeless Services has moved to the Department of Housing and Community Development, resources like the Maryland Community Services Locator and Maryland 2-1-1 remain available for those in need of assistance with housing, utilities, and food.
  • Deep Roots, Clairvaux Farm: Located in Earleville, MD, this facility provides transitional housing for families with children. It offers up to 12 apartments and support services.

The Need for Comprehensive Support

The challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity during winter are multifaceted. Beyond immediate shelter and food, there’s a need for comprehensive social support systems that address the underlying issues driving these crises. Poverty, unemployment, housing affordability, healthcare access, and racial inequities all contribute to the persistent problem of food insecurity and homelessness.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, remember that help is just a call or message away. Together, we can make a difference, one warm meal and one safe night at a time.

Kindness is a choice

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real LifeLeave a comment

Brae’s journey with 3B Brae’s Brown Bags inspired Dianna Wilson-Sirkovsky to write a story, which she titled “Just One Pebble: One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger.” She worked with a fabulous illustrator Sara Casilda and together they captured nine-year-old Braeden. It’s amazing to me, because now he is 20 years old. He’s still packing bags and delivering healthy snacks to people, but he’s a young man now. Through the book I feel I can now go back in time and see my Brae as he was when he was 9 years old and I love that.

The story is already published in multiple languages thanks to Clavis Publishing, but it is also hitting the airwaves via podcasts. Dianna shared the “Reading With Your Kids Podcast” with us and it brought tears to my eyes. As Brae’s Mom, of course I sometimes I feel biased about how compassionate he has always been. Hearing other people talk about him and hearing how he is still inspiring people, even after a decade of time, is just so moving.

You can listen to the podcast using the embed below, or click through to listen here.

Reading With Your Kids Podcast Banner

Just One Pebble

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real Life1 Comment

“Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” hit bookshelves in the United States on September 5, 2023. This incredible true story, written by Dianna Wilson Sirkovsky and illustrated by Sara Casilda, follows the journey of Braeden Mannering, who started the nonprofit 3B Brae’s Brown Bags at just 9 years old.

The book aims to inspire children and adults alike to make a difference in their communities and to raise awareness about hunger relief. The story emphasizes the importance of dreaming big and taking action to make a positive impact on the world. The book includes a note from Braeden to the reader in the back.

We are so grateful to Dianna Sirkovsky for writing this book about Brae and his mission. We love that the story is being shared, but most importantly we are thrilled by the idea that other young people could be inspired to throw their own dreams into their own ponds and see the amazing ripple effect that will happen!

Every dream, every change, starts with one step forward, one moment of kindness, one selfless act and it doesn’t matter how old you are!

Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and inspiring story that proves anyone can change the world if they dream big. Order your copy of “”Just One Pebble. One Boy’s Quest to End Hunger” today and join Braeden on his incredible journey to make a difference.

Record breaking frigid temperatures

On By cmanneringIn 3B Outreach, Real LifeLeave a comment

dyav-wowsaadcyfWhat are they calling it? An arctic vortex? I don’t know what it is, I’m not a meteorologist, but it’s cold, it’s really cold. And it’s not just here in Delaware. Birmingham, Alabama got snow yesterday! The wind chill is -65 degrees in parts of the midwest. Even New Orleans, Louisiana is opening shelters for the homeless to keep them out of the cold, they call it their Citywide Freeze Plan. Cold, scary times.

While Delaware isn’t getting the snow and isn’t currently -50 degrees, it is still wicked cold and our hearts go out to all of our addressless friends who are struggling.

In Delaware, when the temperatures are frigid it is called a Code Purple. Essentially what this means is that emergency sanctuary locations will open for the homeless to stay overnight. The locations are typically open from 6 p.m to 6 a.m. and patrons receive a meal for dinner, our 3B bags when they leave and a bus ticket. It’s not enough, but it’s something and it’s currently all we can do. There are not enough shelters to hold all of our homeless.

An addressless man sitting on a yellow plastic bag in the snow.The emergency sanctuary locations are not homeless shelters. So when they open their doors, they are equipped with volunteers offer. The consistently awesome thing about Delawareans is that they are givers. I am humbled each and every day when I drop off 3B bags and see all of the kind people helping others. I am so grateful.

If you are unable to volunteer, please consider packing a bag of healthy food, water, chap stick, hand warmers, socks and hats and leaving it in your car. If you see someone  in need, then you will have something to give them. Please also consider calling 2-1-1 to find out where the nearest emergency sanctuary or shelter is located. There are often shuttles who will pick up the homeless and take them to the location. Local police will also take them to a shelter.

If you know people who need help and would like us to see what we can do please send an email. We will do our best. We hope you will as well.

Related News

Paying Gratitude Forward

On By BraedenIn Real LifeLeave a comment

There is so much to be grateful for in life. I would love to know that people will be waking up feeling blessed, without complaints and full of a passion to live life to the fullest.

A few years ago Former First Lady Michelle Obama told me about the idea of paying it forward in life. Truly that is what Brae’s Brown Bags has been all about. I have been given so much and I am thankful. I know not everyone has been as blessed as I have been. I know not everyone is given the same opportunities or has the same kind of support system. But if I can lend a hand to someone in need then maybe someday they will be able to lend a hand as well.

The biggest realization I have had with Brae’s Brown Bags has been the ripple effects. The ripples are truly waves of people paying it forward in their lives. It’s an amazing thing. And I am so grateful to Michelle Obama for tossing the first pebble my way.

As we near Thanksgiving I’m suggesting you create a Thanksgiving Meal Kit if you have the means to do so. You can donate these kits to a local school or food pantry or you can give them to a family you know needs the help. Get a basket at a dollar store and purchase a turkey or see if you can obtain a gift certificate from a local meatery or deli. Include cranberry sauce, green beans, potatoes and perhaps a pumpkin pie in your basket.

There are so many ways to show gratitude, there are equally many ways to pay it forward, why not do both!?

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at Brae’s Brown Bags!

As the holidays are upon us

On By cmanneringIn Real Life2 Comments

grinch“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

I say, “Merry Christmas.” You may say something else and I respect that, please enjoy, embrace and share your love for the holiday which YOU celebrate. Aren’t our holiday intentions all pretty similar? Winter holidays have much in common in that we celebrate love, life and light.

Winter is colder, darker, bleak, right? That’s why people bring evergreen trees into their home? Evergreen trees are a sign or symbol of everlasting life during a time of year during which much dies, especially in areas of colder climate.

christmas-givingAll of this being said, the point of this post is that no matter what holiday you may be celebrating, all of us can benefit from bringing life, love and light into each other’s lives. For Brae’s Brown Bags that means continuing to deliver bags of healthy food to those in need. To make sure we are able to donate handwarmers, socks, coats, gloves, etc. If you drive by bus stops in the morning, knowing how bitter cold it is outside, and you see a child waiting without a hat or without a coat, you have the ability to provide that child with something to keep them warm. If you’re not comfortable stopping and handing the child a coat, then bring gently used coats to your local schools. I promise you they will be used.

grandma-736004_960_720Plan time for your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Write a letter to your mail person, the people who pick up your garbage or recycle. Bring a basket of fruit to your community firehouse or police troop. Send a care package overseas to troops who are away from home during the holidays. Visit a nursing home with your kids and bring books to read or pictures that they have colored.

sacredheartThis past weekend, Braeden, my Mom, Finn and Amelia (my two younger kids) took a trip out to Sacred Heart Parish in Chestertown, Maryland. Brae spoke with the group and they ended up packing 85 bags of healthy food, chapsticks, socks and handwarmers for those in need in their local community. It is always a beautiful activity to be a part of and it brought peace into my day.  This group was excited to hear from Brae and even more excited to be able to help! That is the best thing about Brae’s Brown Bags, it’s so easy to do and yet it packs a powerful punch.

There are so many ways we can warm hearts, shine light and celebrate life if only we take a moment to do so. When you pass someone during your travels, or even in the office hall, say Happy Holidays, or Merry Christmas, and then add on a compliment, a bit of kindness. This time of year is about sharing good will, so let’s practice just that.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, from all of us at 3B

3b-spiritwear

Happy First Day of Spring

On By BraedenIn 3B Outreach, Real Life2 Comments

Before we get into the highlights of what has happened since our last update we want to make sure you have all registered for the Coming Together Hunger Conference. We are co-hosting with the Food Bank of Delaware and are SUPER excited about this year’s event! We are anticipating nearly 200 students to attend for the Kid Track, but we are hoping all of you will attend on the adult side. Don’t worry, even the adults will have a chance to see what the kids are doing throughout the day.

Coming Together will feature both an adult track and kids’ track, with opportunities for both groups to come together to identify solutions to issues related to hunger.

I promise you that you will leave feeling inspired and you will learn something. Plus I would like to see you out, because you know we can only end hunger if we do it together.

Okay so what have we been up to since our last post. A LOT! You know we say that every time. Haha.

There have been a few code purples called in Delaware. We thought our winter had been mild and really it has been but the last couple weeks of winter went out in style bringing us frigid temperatures snow and even an ice storm! It was beautiful, but it was also really bad news for my friends without addresses.

We had a table at the 1st Annual Christina School District Family Resource Fair which was a big success. Many people came out to see what the community has to offer and we heard that the New Castle County library exhibit handed out over 100 new library cards to people! That is VERY COOL! I couldn’t be there for the event so my family helped out. My brother and sister, Finn and Amelia, they set up the table and they were happy to be able to support 3B. Plus they got to eat pretzels and have their face painted!

Town Square Delaware wrote an article about me. Ms. Christy Fleming came to visit me at my house and she interviewed me. It was nice to meet her and I appreciate that she wanted to know more about Brae’s Brown Bags. Ms. Fleming’s article shares how 3B has grown, “3B Brae’s Brown Bags helps get healthy snacks to the homeless and the needy. But it takes lots of time and coordination, and Brae now also counts on donations by schoolmates and others who read his blog because the charity has gotten so big.”

I was able to be a speaker at the annual Delaware FFA Convention earlier this month. It was nice to see a room full of students who care about agriculture and who realize that food insecurity is a solvable problem. They packed almost 500 bags of healthy food for people in need. We brought some home and the rest remained in the Kent County area to help any shelters who might needs extra supplies.

I found out that I am  a recipient of a 2017 Sodexo Foundation – STOP Hunger Youth Grant! This makes me very happy because it helps to keep 3B sustainable, but it also helps to show other kids that there are organizations out there who believe in them and believe that we are change makers. The Sodexo Foundation and STOP Hunger are empowering, they not only want to help end hunger but they also want to get kids involved and I am glad I can be one of those champions.

Last but definitely not least. I took a trip with my Mom up to New York to attend the Jefferson Awards Foundation annual gala at Gotham Hall. Yes, it sounds like something right out of Batman and yes I do think that is really cool. It was super fancy. There were a lot of incredible people there and all of them believe in public service, it was super inspiring to be a part of the event. I feel very honored that I was able to receive an activation award (Newark Post) on the same stage as Olympic Gold Medalist Laurie Hernandez and the great musician/social activist Harry Belafonte. Plus, I encourage all of you to look into the national LEAD360 winner for 2017! Her name is Emma Stumpf and she creates art kits to give to patients in children’s hospitals. She knows what it is like to be stuck in the walls of a hospital for long periods of time as she is fighting cancer and has been for many years. I didn’t get to meet her at the event because she was in the hospital having just come through her 17th brain surgery. She is definitely a huge inspiration! I hope you are willing to help her activate this project and help it to put smiles on the faces of kids across the country. I think it will be fun to help her with this project!

It’s almost Summer, so much to smile about #TEDxWilmington

On By BraedenIn Announcements, Real Life2 Comments

It’s not that I don’t like school. I mean I do like some school. But this week is my last week of 6th grade and I’m ready, I’m so ready for summer vacation! I was just inducted into the Junior National Honor Society at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School which is cool. Middle school wasn’t super easy but I made a lot of great new friends. There’s a couple people I play Minecraft online with sometimes and that’s a lot of fun for me. I’m ready for a break from school, for time to swim and have fun.

stannes
2nd graders and me at St. Anne’s Episcopal School

So I wanted to share with you about the 2nd graders at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Middletown, Delaware. They held a used book sale and made a profit of $1,500. They chose to donate this money to Brae’s Brown Bags! They worked together as a team. They did marketing, sales, accounting, communications, etc. They worked VERY hard and it shows in how much they were able to raise. I had a chance to quickly visit with some of them and hear what they did. They presented me with a check and I sat with them and we had a quick Q& A. They are some pretty incredible students and I’m honored they chose 3B as a cause they wanted to support.

tedxwilmingtonAlso, I’ll be giving a Tedx Talk in Wilmington this Summer and I’m feeling nervous. Over 100 people applied and they chose me to be one of the speakers. I will be talking about Brae’s Brown Bags but also just about some things I notice now that I am out and about and learning. I think it should be a really good talk, it’s called “A Boy, A Brown Bag and a Tidal Wave of Change.” I hope you can come see me and the other people who will be there speaking. There are some really great topics. You can get tickets on eventbrite.

In a couple weeks I’m going to a music camp at the University of Delaware. It’s a Steel Drum and Afro-Caribbean Drumming Camp. I’ve been taking drum lessons at the Delaware Arts Conservatory so I’m excited!

93.7 WSTW has confirmed they will be attending our 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration and I’m so happy about that news!

As of this date we  have not yet received any sponsor applications for our 3rd Annual 3B Summer Celebration. Please consider joining forces with 3B for what is our biggest and only annual  event to help share our mission with our community and raise funds to help keep us as self-sustained as possible.