Theatres des Vampires Halloween Party
Vampires, ghosts, and goblins came out in full force for the Theatres des Vampires Halloween Party on Friday, October 5, 2012. Tricks and treats were abundant and for a good cause raising money for Mission Results, a 501c3 that operates Mission Results Community Center in Haiti that provides education, employment at the Center in exchange for English, Math and Computer classes; job placement; and community improvement such as home building and water wells.
In the shadow of the Capitol, Don Patron opened his historic home and garden on the Hill to host the party, along with Doug Jeffries and Janine Schoonover. An artist and philanthropist, Don created an oppulant, haunted Halloween extravaganza with decorations from the sidewalk to the ceiling and everything in between. Casting a spell over the guests from the moment they stepped into the haunted alley with Dracula and his bride, the party raised over $5,000. Greek gods danced to DJ KCB; witches drank brew; and monsters nibbled on fried chicken and biscuits. Don quoted Gatsby by saying, “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in the world haven’t had the same advantages that you’ve had.” He went on to say that his parties for a cause serve as a loving reminder to his guests to open their hearts, appreciate what they have, and lend a helping hand.
Doug Jeffries, owner of Stroga and Results Gym, founded Mission Relief in 2005, which became an official 501c3 in April 2011. After the Tsunami hit in 2005, he organized a group of volunteers from the gym to go build houses in Sri Lanka. Shortly after that, Hurricaine Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi, and folks at the gym looked to him to once again organize a relief effort. This turned into 12 trips to Biloxi, Mississippi. Then the earthquake in Haiti hit and he once again spearheaded what was to be one trip and turned into 26 monthly trips. Doug takes volunteers regularly to Haiti providing accommodations in the volunteer guest house that provides a comfortable, clean getaway from the challenges of the day. Volunteers may build homes; teach the children; work in the orphanage; help prepare meals; and provide recreational activities. 125 volunteers with over 26 trips have provided more than $100,000 in donation to orphanages around Port-au-Prince, including medical supplies, uniforms, school supplies, clothes, beds, mattresses, sheets, and toiletries. Doug firmly states, “Every volunteer returns from Haiti with a far more appreciative perspective of their world.” To donate or volunteer, please go to Mission Results.
Current items needed for donation include: clothing; trucks; motorcycles; laptops; cell phones; electronics; and children’s DVD movies with French subtitle option.
Written by Janine Schoonover, CEO of JSW Group