WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH#SurprisethestrugglingThis March, celebrating Women’s History Month, #SurpriseTheStruggling will be highlighting the brilliant and beautiful women that help this organization to be what it is. Without their support, love, kindness, and dedication of each of these women, the #STSGLOBAL #hashtag campaign would have never made the strides it has this past year of service. These women bring their “A” game to all that they do! Be sure to follow their pages and get to know these powerful, brilliant, and beautiful women. Our twenty-second highlight this month is the enterprising humanitarian Actress Hayley Gripp—#SurpriseTheStruggling’s day one supporter, and champion Ambassador. Hayley has also been a supporter and Ambassador for our sister organization, The Stop Bullying Project®. From the moment we met this darling of a soul, there were no false pretenses or conjectures about who she is or how huge a heart she has. The #STSGlobal relationship with Hayley began with The Stop Bullying Project®. She showed an interest in who we were and what we were doing. Believing in our mission and the work that we are doing, she determined to support us without looking for anything in return. Her selfless support and act of love garnered her our gratefulness and undying gratitude. ![]() When we launched #SurpriseTheStruggling, Hayley was there, also, lending her support and voice to our global mission and cause. Her heart and compassion for others are evident in all that Hayley does. Some people say what they will do and make promises but never follow through. Hayley is a woman of her word and her character above reproach. She has shown nothing but dedication, love, and respect for the work that we are doing in both organizations. This past February, we were honored to have Hayley as a guest speaker at our inaugural Anniversary celebration. She traveled all the way from California to be with our guests and us. Hayley was warm, gracious, and uplifting, her words touching our hearts and the hearts of our guests. There are no words to convey accurately what we horde in our hearts for Hayley. She has been one of our greatest champions. Her authentic spirit and humanitarian heart have endeared this beautiful actor to our hearts always. Hayley Gripp—American Actress, Humanitarian, Businessperson, Holistic Chef, Published Writer—are just a few of her accomplishments and accolades. In 2013, Hayley made her debut in the entertainment industry as a print model; landing national ads for brands such as Verizon Wireless, Murad Skincare, TOF Cosmetics and As Seen On TV. As an actress, Hayley has shot multiple commercials, has been a celebrity taste tester on Cupcake Wars, landed prominent roles on: CSI: Las Vegas, a reoccurring role on the Lifetime original series Killer Kids, a co-starring role in the Ginger Girls series and a role in the Lionsgate feature film The Vatican Tapes. As someone who loves to give back, Hayley uses her influence to help others through her humanitarian work and many charitable endeavors. She played a prominent role in getting the anti-bullying law The IDEA Act and The CARE Bill passed and has spoken to 90k on the bullying epidemic. In 2017 Gripp will be launching her holistic lifestyle blog, publishing her first children’s book and is set to film two feature films. Currently, Hayley splits her time between Los Angeles, CA and New York City, NY. Be certain to follow Hayley to stay abreast of all the phenomenal things she is up to and involved with, Instagram: @hayleygripp_official twitter: @hayleygripp We salute you, Hayley Gripp! Your compassion, selflessness, and dedication inspire us to greatness. Thank you, for your continued support. We are grateful to have you be a part of the #SurpriseTheStruggling Family! |
STS Gears Up For Its Inaugural Anniversary Celebration
Local Human Services Organization #SurpriseTheStruggling Inc. Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary
Surprise The Struggling to Celebrate Its First Year With a Gala Featuring Keynote Speaker Iesha Sekou and Celebrity Guest Speaker, Actress, and Humanitarian, Hayley Gripp.
STATEN ISLAND, NY—January 30, 2017—JRUEPRLIAISON— The first Annual Celebration for #SurpriseTheStruggling, Inc. being held on Saturday, February 4th located in Staten Island, NY at the American Legion on McClean Avenue, is a gala event to celebrate and highlight the success, diligence, and hard work of the human services organization’s staff, ambassadors, and volunteers this past year. A catered dinner, specialty drinks, and honors with special guests will highlight the evening’s affair.
Surprise The Struggling, Inc. has made a huge impact in the area of human services this past year. STS, 501c3 nonprofit organization major consumers are homeless women and teen girls. Throughout the year, under the guidance of its founder and Executive Director, Dr. Jacquelyn Wilson—staff, ambassadors, and volunteers have managed to secure and donate over 5,000+ bags and purses filled with toiletries. The items donated and given to various homeless women and teen girls, in addition to hosting surprise baby showers, birthday parties, back to school parties, and off to college parties for those in shelters and in need.
The special program part of the evening will be hosted by CEO and motivational speaker, Keisha Christie, founder of Level Up Connections www.levelupconnections.com. Special guest speaker for the evening will be American actress, humanitarian, author, and activist, Hayley Gripp www.imdb.com/name/nm5872047/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
For its inaugural gala, STS is honored to have, Iesha Sekou, as their Keynote Speaker. An educator and senior activist, Ms. Sekou is CEO and founder of Street Corner Resources. She is the host of WHCR 90.3 FM “The Voice of Harlem” Monday morning radio show, Street Corner Resources Live www.scrnyc.org
The night’s overall event—that is expecting 80 guests, and some very special VIP’s, who will be honored during the night’s celebration—is being hosted by POYED by Velvette, Pinking of YOU Events & Design, LLC. http://www.poyedbyvelvette.wixsite.com/boutique-events Special thanks to, Velvette Mattison-Batson, I.E.W.P of POYED by Velvette for also donating event planning and coordination services for the STS One Year Anniversary Celebration.
STS gives special thanks and acknowledges all of their Sponsors that made the upcoming gala a possibility. Without the generosity and support—not just for this Saturday’s coming event but also throughout the year—Surprise The Struggling would not have been able to help so many. Gratitude is extended to those who donated in person and online at the website, both monetarily and materially.
Continuing their thanks: to Mitchell BG Harper, for the event space to hold the gala; to Lisa Sumpter and Linda Sumpter of Sister Prison Wives BFF, www.spw-bff.org, for Auction Baskets to raise funds for the upcoming STS calendar year. To local caterer, Leonard Bishop of, A Family Affair Party Planners & Catering, bit.ly/AFAMILYAFFAIRCATERING for providing and creating an unforgettable and dynamic dining experience for the guests to enjoy. Thanks to videographer and photographer, Gregory Thomas, for providing special photography for the gala. Thanks to, Edna Lugo of, Cocktail Vixens, www.cocktailvixens.com, for creating a signature cocktail for the evening and providing mobile bartending services. For table design and centerpieces, thanks to Chanae Duncan of Eye Imagine Everything. Thank you, Balloons Décor, B For all Occasion of Brooklyn, for providing decorations and backdrops. Thank you, Wanda Edwards, of A Walk in Her Shoes, bit.ly/AWALKINHERSHOES, for the provision of special material, Ruthe McDonald of Johnrue Publishing www.ruthemcdonald.com for copywriting and PR services. Gratitude is extended to, DJ Ron C of Exodus Entertainment bit.ly/ExodusDJRonC, for providing the evening’s music and Minnie G’s Cupcakery for providing dessert. To local business, Roc A Natural www.rocanatural.com and from California, Sumbody Skincare, www.sumbody.com for providing toiletries and body products for gift baskets to be given away. Special thanks to, Lucinda Cross, at www.lucindacross.com and Nichole Bailey of www.bitsoffaith.net for sponsoring attendees. Also, thanks to, Eloquent Essentials www.eloquentessentials.com for their invaluable contributions. Very special thanks to the volunteers for that day, whose dedication and diligence are applauded. Also, to the following proprietors of the local community for their generosity: Stop N Shop groceries, Columbia Meat Market, Kohl’s, BJ’s Wholesale, Staples, Target, and Shoprite.
The continued support and generosity of partners, sponsors, donors, ambassadors, and volunteers has helped make Surprise The Struggling’s first year of service a phenomenal year of unbelievable achievements and success. STS—through their Ambassador program—were able to achieve their #STSGLOBAL campaign goal by reaching Canada, Haiti, Africa, and Jamaica. They are looking forward to an even greater year ahead and years to come.
There are a few tickets still available to the public. Please check the website for information.
http://www.surprisethestruggling.org
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