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Black Business Expo & Tradeshow
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California was well represented at the Black
Business Expo & Trade Show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on September 21,
22nd, & 23rd. As one of the few true non-profit organizations in attendance, the
Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California was invited to share a booth with the
Carolina based doughnut giant “Krispy Kreme”. As part of their on-going
commitment to community involvement, Krispy Kreme paid for the sponsorship of the booth,
supplied banners and printed flyers, and had radio station KKBT direct those in attendance
over to the booth to assist the foundation in its’ fundraising and information give
away venture. The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California, through the use of the
sale of Krispy Kreme “partnership cards” and beverage mugs, was able to raise
during the three day event over $500.00 toward the upcoming “Camp Crescent
Moon”, the foundations’ annual summer camp for children with sickle cell
disease.
The Expo was a showcase for over 800 businesses and vendors. The Sickle Cell Disease
Foundation of California benefited greatly from being able to be in attendance as well as
being partnered with a company with such instant name recognition. The foundation was able
to take full advantage of this opportunity by staffing the booth with a good combination
of Sickle Cell Foundation staff members, parents of children with sickle cell disease,
recent counselors from “Camp Crescent Moon”, and young volunteers with sickle
cell disease themselves. Information on Camp Crescent Moon, public information health
sheets, Automatic Giving Program, and general information on the foundations’ other
programs and services were distributed. Several people signed up requesting applications
to become volunteers with the foundation. Celebrities stopped by the booth including
Producer/ Director Robert Townsend who promised to “re-connect” with the
foundation and assist us in the future, as well as members of the media who were in
attendance, promising their support for our causes.
I would like to recognize the following people who helped make this event a success:
Staff members Peter Grams for helping secure volunteers; Mary Carro for the construction
of a great new brochure we distributed until we ran out; Myra Garcia for working on Friday
evening at the booth until 8:00 pm. We should also recognize Mary Brown, Wanda Thomas,
Jennifer Hill, Bridget Jones, Jeanette Harris, and Yolanda Allen. Teen Volunteers Misty
Williams and her brothers and former Camp Crescent Moon counselors Kai Allen and Jamal
Lewis all did great work at the booth. And lastly, thanks to Krispy Kreme G.M. Darmon
McGruder. It was a great event!
Roger E. Brown, Director of Development & Public Affairs
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