A couple of months ago the world was hit with the Covid-19 pandemic. In the United States, we were forced to hunker down in our homes to help slow the spread of the virus.

While at home, like many of you, I became helpless in not knowing how to help. While on a drive to clear my mind, I saw a vision that would not only help keep my business afloat, but one that could also support our locally owned restaurants as well as our frontliners in San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL.

Here’s how we helped the community during COVID-19:

The idea was simple. I would offer mini photo sessions later this fall in both San Diego, CA & Chicago, IL and with the money my clients paid as a retainer, I would donate it to local owned restaurants to help feed our frontliners.

In less than 24 hours of launching my campaign (click here to watch the video) I was able to not only meet but exceeded my goal of $1,000 by raising a total of $1,500!

Coordinating all the meals for the frontliners was tricky, but after two weeks we were able to help 6 locally owned restaurants and fed 120 frontliners. That’s right, 120 frontliners !!!!!!! Which means we put a smile on 120 faces. How amazing is that?

Here are the amazing people who believed in our vision and booked/donated:

–Tiffany N., Marial J., Tressa A., Melody Z., Andrea P., Alexis B., Lissette M., Maria O., Gina A., Melissa V., Heather F., Sarah L., Chelsea H., Monica S., Jennifer S., and Alex R.

And listed below are the locally owned restaurants we supported:

• Life’s Sweet Inc. – Chicago, IL
• Casa Yari – Chicago, IL
• Pete’s Pizza – Chicago, IL
• Buona – Chicago, IL
• Ono Grinds Cafe – San Diego, CA
• Freshly Prepped – San Diego, CA

I am so incredibly proud how we all came together to help the community during COVID-19. In a time of uncertainty, we showed up to spread a little joy around our communities. This is the true definition and meaning of #inthistogether.

I also want to thank everyone for their support, kind words, and encouragement during these times. We all have so much going on right now so I am humbled that so many of you saw my vision and didn’t hesitate in supporting.

Want to help? I challenge you to pay it forward to a frontliner in your community.

As always, thanks so much for reading!

Stay safe, healthy, and blessed!