Here in our little town of Birmingham, we have so many wedding vendors that I have personally seen that give back to their communities when they think no one is watching.  For today’s #GivingTuesday post, I want to introduce you to a talented floral designer and guitar playing extraordinaire, Carol Harris (Lillie Jane’s).  I’m sure Carol, and her family are laughing hysterically at me calling her a guitar playing extraordinaire.  But for years now, she takes that guitar every Tuesday to an inner-city school and along with her mom, sings and encourages young girls.  Carol has commented on the excitement in those girls’ eyes when they see her coming. According to the website, Discovery Clubs are "after-school Bible clubs that offer fun, safe and inspirational activities that help children learn the love of Christ."

One of the really cool things about doing these GivingTuesday posts is that I get to learn about all of the different ways we, as a community, can help.  I didn't know that Discovery Club was a ministry connected to the Jimmie Hale Mission. I thought that the JHM has just to help homeless men and women.  It's pretty neat that they are able to go into the schools and really love on children that might need a little hope in this world.

I sure do love finding wonderful examples of our wedding community giving back even during non-holiday times. Well done, Carol!

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in early 2016.

I think she might be the hardest working person in the entire event industry.  She (and her team, as she will quickly point out) manage multiple venues while being a huge advocate of Birmingham.  It is not uncommon for Jennifer Gowers of GoPro Event Solutions to go home at 2 in the early morning and be back at it by 6:00 a.m. 

In between all of that, Jennifer is constantly volunteering her services for a wide range of missions.  From finding homes for dogs (including serving with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society) to helping with the homeless in Birmingham (working with the Jimmie Hale Mission and countless others), she works tirelessly 7 days a week.  

She is the current board chair for Pathways, which is a Birmingham organization that serves homeless woman and children. Not only do the people at Pathways give these women a place to live, but also teach them life skills so they can transition into other housing. It really is a one of a kind organization.  

Remember how the purpose of this blog series was about #GivingTuesday being #GivingEveryday?  Well, she is a wonderful example of that.  Hats off to you, lady!

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.