This Side Up Family Center (www.thissideupfamily.org) is a 501c3 family strengthening non-profit organization in Plano, Texas. The founder Sarah Morris along with her dedicated volunteers have been making this center fun for all ages. As a supporter of This Side Up, I called upon my contacts and had a mini summer luau networking event (for small business owners) on July 16th. This posting is just a small highlight of the event.
Sponsors included:
DMS Coaching Concept, Cupcakes on Command, Angela’s on the Crosswalk, Find Your Designs, Succulent Cuisine and Diversity Solutions Marketing.
Angela’s on the Crosswalk donated pita bread, hummus, a vegetable tray and pasta salad.
. 
For beverages, there was water and a non alcoholic drink consisting of: pina colada mix, sherbert, and 7 Up. Donated by Diversity Solutions Marketing and Drapes, Décor, Antiques and More (www.ddesignerdrapes.com). Chef Rita with Succulent Cuisine (http://www.succulentcuisine.com) donated a hearty serving of chicken meatball pasta and a tossed salad with a pomegranate vinaigrette dressing.
To top it all off, Cupcakes on Command (http://www.cupcakesoncommand.com) provided a selection of mini cupcakes.
The evening started with vendor shopping and networking. 10 vendors in all came out and supported the center. Each vendor donated $25 to the center for a spot. We were very lucky to have them come out and participate in this event. Door prizes included gift cards, products from our vendors, certificates and island inspired items.
While most in attendance were shy to get up and dance, I graciously asked (aka forced) for volunteers to participate in the hula hoop contest and hula demonstration.
With the attire being casual and island inspired, the atmosphere was fun and entertaining. It rained pretty hard that night and several cancelled. Regardless of the turnout, everyone there came out and supported this great non profit organization that really focuses on taking families from surviving to thriving.
More photos can be found on the summer networking event album for Diversity Solutions Marketing on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DiversitySolutions).
Looks like it was a great event! All of the descriptions and photos of the food are making me really hungry. I love the Luau idea, so fun!
What a wonderful way to support your community! Great post!