Do Something Charlotte!

Hi Beauts!

So in my unending quest to live a happy, healthy, productive life I have found that a lot of my peers ask how I avoid happy hours, beerfests, and late night throwdowns, and still have a social life. As I have gotten older those "good times" have become less appealing and I have found other interests that are not only entertaining but benefit the greater good of society. Spending your money and efforts in a way that helps bring hope to others while leaving you with a euphoric sense of worth is WAY better than spending time and money to pay your baristas rent leaving you with a massive headache from one too many Woo Woo Shots! This weekend in Charlotte there are many opportunities to get out there and DO SOMETHING inexpensive, clean, and fun!

For one, it's 1st Friday! All over the nation artists and gallerys celebrate the 1st weekend of every month by honoring featured artists with a gallery crawl of sorts! Where would you find such a thing in Charlotte?? Oh well, of course.. it would be in NoDa, Charlotte's Historic Arts District... admission is FREE and this week the Green Rice gallery is presenting creations by Jason Basden! He creates mixed media sculptures incorporating metal and mechanical findings. The street vendors of NoDa alone are worth taking a peak at, and I am always pretty intrigued by what Dialect and The Arthouse have on showcase!

Another idea to spend your Friday evening in the QC is attending an event where the proceeds benefit an organization in need. This weekend a couple of my friends are lending their talents and time and in part a few events have transpired - Beards BeCause began when two friends put forth a testosterone driven effort towards a feminine cause by raising money for a local battered women's shelter. Scott Doerr and Jared Yerg have raised thousands of dollars over the past 4 years for the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women and have expanded their efforts to combat domestic violence to other cities, including Atlanta, Ga which kicks off their campaign this week as well! The fundraiser begins this weekend with the Clean Shaven Party on October 1st at 8 pm. The party will be held at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille and will have live music by Leadville Social Club and JT and the Dragpipes. There is at $10 donation at the door so come see what all the 'fuzz' is about ;)

Before you head to Dilworth Neighborhood Grille pop over to Blackfinn in the EpiCentre for another charitable event! Beginning at 5:30 pm this Friday the GALA Foundation is having it's first cocktail fundraiser to support the abused and neglected children of Mecklenburg County. As we all know the Charlotte Checkers are joining the AHL and tickets will be on sale for the opening game - $6 from those ticket purchases will go to the children as well as donations will be recieved all evening. Most importantly, a good friend of mine, Mike Bilfulco, will be playing live music at the event and that alone will be worth the trip!

Last but not least in the spirit of first fridays across the country, the Mint Museum opens Uptown this weekend! The Grand Opening event features 24 hours of festivities begining Friday evening at 5:00 pm for a ribbon cutting ceremony and includes tours of the new facility, films, an all night dance party (sponsored by our favorite gays of Takeover Friday), sunrise yoga, and a ton of hands on activities and demonstrations! $10 admission on Friday and open to the public on Saturday so pull an all nighter or pop over on Saturday and be a part of Art History at this groundbreaking event!

I hope you all are able to make it out and about on this cool October weekend! I personally can't wait to join the crowd and delve into what the city has to offer and what I can offer my city!

Loves,
LB!