C.E. King High School on August 29, 2017. Photo by David J. Phillip (AP)
The tragedy in Houston following Hurricane Harvey inspired me to do something different on my birthday this year. During a special Art Opening on September 9, 2017 (1pm-4pm) featuring the paintings of Christina Alessi at D’s Soul Full Cafe in Hoboken, we’ll be collecting children’s clothing and school supplies to send to The Houston Independent School District.
The idea of attaching a charity to our music and art events has been mulling around my muddled brain for a while. As with most things in my life, I sometimes need a shock to jumpstart an action. That shock came from the images I saw following Hurricane Harvey in Texas. It brought back the horrific memories of Superstorm Sandy and the devastation it wreaked on New Jersey. It also reminded me of the outpouring of support from all over the country for businesses like mine that helped so much in the rebuilding of Hoboken.
So, as I began planning our first charity drive, the thought of who the beneficiary should be was answered in the evening’s news reports. I knew I wanted to help the people of Houston, but how? Sure, we could collect cash and send it to the Red Cross or some other group, but as I was searching for an answer, I stumbled upon The Houston Independent School District’s pleas for clothing and school supplies.
This one hit close to home. My family is one filled with dedicated educators. The teachers and students in Hoboken also hold a very special place in my heart and that of my business. More than just regular customers, they’ve become friends, employees and — in many cases — like family. So to hear the struggles of educators trying to cope after such mind-boggling flooding and destruction in Texas moved me deeply.
And that’s why I’m asking you to come out on my birthday (again … that’s September 9, 2017) from 1pm – 4pm and help us help those in need.
Here are the details of the event:
Stop by D’s Soul Full Cafe on Saturday September 9, 2017 at 1pm for a special Art Show & Charity Event. We’ll be collecting clothes and school supplies to send to The Houston Independent School District (details below).
About the Artist
Known in Hoboken as a fabulous singer/songwriter, Christina introduces us to her other great talent; Painting.
If you’ve spent any time at all hanging around the Hoboken/Jersey City music scene, you’ve no doubt heard the amazing talent of Christina Alessi and The Toll Collectors. However, you may not be familiar with her as a visual artist.
Christina Alessi creates mixed media pieces strong in line and color and inspired by nature. Christina has had a connection with art from a young age with a preference for drawing over most things. She is mainly self-taught but has taken classes at Essex County College and Montclair State University to enhance her approach. A student of art therapy, she recognizes the healing and grounding qualities of making art. She practices art every single day and has found it to be a wonderful way to bond with her son. In addition to painting, Christina has presented fiber art – embroidery, free-form crochet, and felted – pieces. Christina is also a musician who regularly performs in the NY Metro area.
Show Run: September 9, 2017 thru October 12, 2017
Opening Reception and Charity Drive: Saturday September 9, 2017 1pm-4pm
Our kitchen will be open to serve you. This will be an alcohol-free celebration of the arts. Bring the kids!
Musical Guest
We’re gathering some of the Hoboken area’s finest talents to serenade you. Check back here or on Facebook for updates.
About the Charity Drive
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation faced in Texas, we’ve decided that our first Art Show & Charity Drive will benefit the Houston Independent School District Harvey Recovery. The HISD are looking for donations of the following:
- Children’s Clothing (all ages)
– socks, t-shirts, underwear, etc. - School Supplies
– pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.
Why The Houston Independent School District?
We chose The Houston Independent School District because this storm hit just as children were about to start their new school year. And now the usual difficult transition from summer to school year is an absolute hardship. We want to make this time easier for them in any way that we can.
C.E. King High School on August 29, 2017. Photo by David J. Phillip (AP)
If You Can’t Make It
You can send your donations to:
HISD Harvey Donations
Delmar Fieldhouse
2020 Mangum Road
Houston, TX 77092
Supporting The Arts
As always, we do not take any money from our artists. Any proceeds from the sale of art or music will go directly to them.
