Friendsgiving

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”-JFK

This holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to show gratitude for the intangible blessings in your life. The blessings that can't be purchased at a Black Friday blowout sale store or from a Cyber Monday online extravaganza. I am slightly annoyed over the retail industry and its attempt to overshadow the meaning of the holidays- with its annoying push to acquire "stuff."

My beautiful sister @BrittanyLarry and I serving together at Room In the Inn Photo by @GoliathWorldWide

This season is about celebrating the essence of true love-the love you have for your children and family members. The love that comes from creating memories with them that will flourish as time progresses. It is about cherishing your health and understanding that the gift of a sound mind and a healthy body is the most prized possession. It is about your peace of mind, and being able to sleep at night with no worries or stress over unsolved societal woes. It is about real friendships-spending time with those who love you through every stage of your life. It is about financial security. Living comfortably within your means and releasing the urge to flex for the gram. These intangible gifts are the meaning of the holidays and will truly satisfy your soul.

Beautiful Volunteers Jasmine of Twisted Corks and Amber of Stapled Events Photo by @GoliathWorldWide

As I quickly approach my 30th birthday and the end of the coveted Happy Birthday Dominique community service project, I reflect on how this six-year voyage changed my life for the better. To celebrate my monumental 25th birthday, I started Happy Birthday Dominique as a method to show gratitude for my life through community service. Now, as I enter into a new chapter of my life, I must say this project taught me more about the power of giving than any other life experience thus far.

To appropriately say goodbye, I had to volunteer at one of my favorite places in one of my favorite cities.

Room In the Inn, located in the heart of Music City, was founded in the winter of 1985, when Father Charles Strobel, a notable Nashville philanthropist and leader, opened the doors of his parish to individuals seeking sanctuary in the church parking lot. Today, nearly 200 congregations and over 7,000 volunteers shelter almost 1,500 men and women from November 1 through March 31 each winter season. However, Room in the Inn is much more than a winter shelter, it is a haven, a place where clients can receive support through programs that emphasize health, education, employment, and housing. A comfortable and safe space to shower, receive mail, a haircut, a hot meal-and so much more.

My Family Javi owner of @Javiartistmanagement @Bryan @Ken and Joy Davis of @TheFirmWins Photo by @GoliathWorldWide

I began volunteering at Room in the Inn almost eight years ago when my dear friends, Alterraun and Sinae Verner, hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the Veterans of the transitional and permanent housing program. I was immediately attracted to the warmth, compassion, and love Room in the Inn displayed to its guest.

Just shy of a decade of volunteering this phenomenal organization, my longevity exist because the staff has always welcomed and accommodated my programming outlandish ideas. Ideas like installing a massive inflatable basketball hoop indoors for a winter carnival. Or ideas to host epic concerts featuring classic Ice Cube soundtracks over delicious beverages, from my makeshift Starbucks barista coffee stations. Or the many sleepless nights of me tapping into my inner Joanna Gains, while the staff and I spent hours decorating the shelter for the holidays. All of the moments at Room in the Inn hold a special place in my heart.

This final Thanksgiving celebration included a delicious southern style brunch catered by Nashville’s own Chef Cleveland of The Lost Spoon. Also I recruited the help of event specialist Amber Staples of Stapled Events to solidify logistics and the expertise of Deena Knight, of Deena Knight Interiors to add that extra “oomph” to the Friendsgiving decor. We used the beautiful florals arranged by Elliott Events from the DSLB Inspired Dinner Series to decorate the dining hall.

Thank you @ChefCleavland of @TheLostSpoon for catering an amazing breakfast for the guest @RoomintheInn

Thankful to @Bombas socks for donation hundreds of new socks for the guest toiletry gift bags. In addition to socks we included a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, mouthwash and razors. These are the essential items for surviving the harsh winter months. For more information on donating items to @RoomintheInn click HERE.

Gift Bags featuring @Bombas Socks Photo by @GoliathWorldWide

To all of my family and friends from near and far, that have volunteered at Room in the Inn with me over the years, thank you. To my amazing husband, thank you for allowing me to serve for hours and hours every year. To Room in the Inn thank you for bringing such joy and happiness to me during the holiday season.