A Day of Thanks and Volunteering
30. Nov, 2009 
4 Comments
This Thanksgiving I was fortunate enough to have the chance to spend time with friends and family. In addition, I volunteered for Hush Society Magazine helping them provide 100 families with Thanksgiving meals. This was their first Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, and based on the success of the event, it will occur for many years to come. During this time of economic unrest, I really felt that I needed to do my part to help less fortunate families in the DC area. Just a few hours of my time helped make a positive impact on someone’s holiday. I did not know what was in store for me that day, but I was looking forward to a day of service. I met Carlos Allen, CEO, Brian Silver, Public Relations President, and Sharmila Viswasam, Public Relations Director, at their headquarters a couple weeks prior to the event for a volunteer orientation meeting.
HUSH Society Magazine is a “for profit” and philanthropic media organization that supports charitable organizations and uplifts individuals and businesses who give back to the community. The name “HUSH” stands for Help Us Support Humanity and their motto is “It’s Everybody’s Business.” Each member of The Hush Group Inc. is personally and responsibly involved in multiple societal concerns ranging from disease epidemics, natural disasters, educational and academic concerns, to political and community interests. One of their key objectives is to collaborate with charitable, religious and/or political organizations in order to build relationships and promote events. I would encourage everyone to check out their website: www.hushmagazine.net
When I came to the Hush Mansion, which is a beautifully restored Victorian rowhouse in DC, Sharmila greeted me warmly. She came over and gave me a big hug. Sharmila is young women with lots of energy and positive attitude. She was very excited to have me volunteer that day. Compared to all the work the Hush Society Magazine contributed for this day, my few hours of volunteering was the least that I could do.
As each volunteer arrived, Carlos Allen made sure to personally thank them for coming out. Carlos Allen and his staff are quite busy, they just returned from California from the VMAs and had attended the State Dinner the night before. Brian and Sharmila made sure all the volunteers felt welcomed and comfortable. Even though, I did not know any of the other volunteers, I felt like I was part of a family. Everyone was helping each other and we all were talking about various life stories. It felt like I was at a family reunion.
Families that came to the Dinner Drive were from all part of the Metropolitan DC area. Social workers, school officials, and other nonprofit workers had referred families to this drive. The families were able to come to pick up their meals between 1pm to 6pm. I was so impressed with Hush Society Magazine that I would love to return next year for this event. I encourage everyone take a few hours of out his or her holiday season to spread a bit of holiday cheer to local communities and families.
There is nothing greater than the giving of one’s self. While it is nice to write a check, getting your hands dirty is where it’s at.
Several years ago I did cooking prep and chores for 3 days for a large community dinner. I was so tired of the smell of turkey and fixings that when I arrived home Thanksgiving evening, I couldn’t even bring myself to eat. Still, there was no better feeling on the holiday than helping those who needed it.
One can only hope this is not another wannabe caught ready to do anything to get 15 minutes of fame… No, notoriety! As class and good-taste dead? Being invited has lost its meaning? Allen I do hope for you, Allen, the answer is NO. http://manchestersquare.blogspot.com
Carlos metioned he was there to me just as he did to everyone else… but he is denying it to the public.
I dont understand why the secret service is not questioning Allen;s wife or Silver’s wife about his attendance to the dinner. They both work for the government….
This whole situation doesnt make sense to me!
Its obvious Karen and Clarice worked with whomever to get Carlos a ticket.
Why haven’t Mr. Silver and Mr. Allen been asked about this?