Mix and Mingle For a Cause
If you don’t already know this, volunteering is sexy. In fact, I’ll take it further and say that single people who actively contribute time and efforts to their communities and charities make the best dates ever. Guys, if you can manage to enlighten your date about your volunteer work, I can’t tell you how impressive this is to a smart woman. It shows a lot about your character and ideals. It also sends the message that you possess traits that would be desirable in a husband and/or father.
I’m not even talking about saving the world or some superman heroics here. Heck, just seeing a good looking man at the recycling center makes me swoon. I’m all “aww he cares about the environment, I bet he has a big heart” - I’m a softie that way.
One of the wonderful things about Atlanta is that there are so many great charities and organizations that provide countless of opportunities to get involved. If you are going to get all dressed up to go out anyway, why not mix and mingle for a cause! Why not check out the local charities who have annual fundraisers? Are you currently involved with a volunteer project or organization?
Of course, you shouldn’t go overboard and attempt to treat charity/volunteering events like some speed-dating function. Please, don’t be that guy/girl. I just believe that when you are already participating in something that is important to you then you will feel good about yourself. Which, in turn, can make your confidence go up. It’s win-win. I’m not saying you will definitely meet someone wonderful but chances are you will at least connect with like-minded people who care!
Have you ever taken a date to a volunteer event or community service project? What would you do if your first date was at a food bank or a shelter? Personally.. I would be impressed. I know a lot of guys would think I would pout or whine about it. As much as I love looking cute on a date, I would throw on some comfy clothes and shoes with no problem. Some guys think that is when we look the sexiest (I’m looking at you, Drake).
Check out these great events happening in the city this weekend:
Stir It 28: Food Bloggers Align for Haiti Relief
Habitat for Humanity and Saigon Gourmet Haiti Fundraiser
Upcoming fundraisers:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Atlanta Wine Opener
First Fridays (Portion of the proceeds will go to the Sisters of Faith Cancer Foundation)
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308 comments Add your comment
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:06 am
I find it sad when some folks never have anything to give. Sometimes we collect money here for different things and some folks forever cry broke and sing the sad “pity me” song.
But let it be them that is receiving the money, they gladly accept it.
i'm swiss
February 19th, 2010
10:10 am
Mmmmmmm mmmmm mmmmm @ Cee — I do love those catfish po’ boys at 6 Feet Under… Good fish tacos, too. (That was for Melo — I figure the phrase “fish taco” will bring him out of lurkersville in 3… 2… 1…)
LMAO @ DIG & the tartar sauce. When I was a teenager, there was this place in my hometown called “Jack’s” — not sure if they exist anymore… Anyway, this place had the most unfortunate name for it’s special sauce ever… Yup, you guessed it — “Jack’s Sauce”.
I do NOT want to know how they made it…
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:12 am
DreamsMat, it’s all in what it means to you. If you are doing it for tax purposes then that’s probably what you are going to talk about when you say you gave.
But what I am talking is giving and announcing it so that you can get recognition from other people.
If I am doing it for tax purposes then that what I am doing it for. Some people, meaning me, give in the name of helping others and doing a deed that my beliefs stand on. Imma leave it at that.
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
February 19th, 2010
10:15 am
i’m swiss Speaking of Jack’s sauce, it reminds me of a few years back someone that worked in a fast food chain put some of their own “special sauce” in the mayo. It’s terrible to play around with folks’ food like that.
peeing in the coffee pot
blowing snot rockets in the mix
sprinkling dandruff on french toast
scraping off the vomit off a newly made pan of food & still serving it
dropping food on floor or in trash can but still serving it
coughing/sneezing directly over food
taking a shyt & not washing hands before returning to work station
not properly cleaning utensils & dishes
Professor
February 19th, 2010
10:16 am
@DreamsM…I don’t feel you have to be secretive about giving, but to ME it is a turn off when I see folks wanting recognition and praise for it. To ME it reminds me of what Jesus said about the Pharisees (sp) when they are fasting and praying in public.
@DIG That…lol on leaving the toliet seat up for 25 years. I am thinking of a much older friend I have. His mom left his dad after about 25 years. She waited until the children were grown, and when the baby child left after HS, she left a few weeks later. I can remember him telling me that his mom would say, “I am leaving behind y’all…I am staying here for y’all.”
As for the “trendy” issue I am seeing too many people doing too many things to get a date. It is a bit much if you ask me. Shoot I have seen ladies catch the Holy Ghost when a man say he is getting saved, and when he backslide she backslide following him. Or the ones that must be seen at the sushi house and cannot use chopsticks, and hate the taste of the food. I just think we need to get back to the basics on all levels…just sayin.
When YOU try to BE something YOU ARE not YOU miss the person YOU ARE!!!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:16 am
Swiss Don’t start…i am waaay too far from 6Feet Under today…in “i’m alive” paralance too!
Their stuff is good…and what are you doing in there?..my neck of the woods…just for me.
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:17 am
I don’t think there is anything wrong with just so happening to meet someone while volunteering or what not. But I think you should be careful not to lose sight on why you are there. As with anything else.
If you are taking a cooking class to learn how to cook better, don’t forget to not stop learning some new cooking techniques when the new cutie is at the table next to you.
And while volunteering don’t do it just for the possibilities of meeting someone for personal reasons and take up a space where someone who really wants to be there for the cause could have been.
abc
February 19th, 2010
10:20 am
I’m not quite getting it, I suppose.
If I’m volunteering for something resembling work, like at the shelters; or that poses a challenge for a lot of people, like going on day trips with the handicapped; or a church project, like landscaping or housing rehab; or even habitat — what would possibly lead me to invite a date to that? I should expect them to want to work on such things? That just seems a little odd, to me.
If I’m going to a dinner or party for an organization to which I donate, I can see taking a date, but to talk about how much was donated is gauche. There’s Biblical precedent for keeping your mouth shut about such things, but it’s really a matter of character specific to selflessness. Did you donate because you were moved to help, or did you donate because you want accolades?
i'm swiss
February 19th, 2010
10:20 am
“…and what are you doing in there?..my neck of the woods…just for me.”
C’mon now, Cee… You know your boy gets around…
@ Slim — Alllllllllllllllllllllllrighty then…. I guess I’ll be cooking for my own d@mn self for the rest of my life…
Professor
February 19th, 2010
10:23 am
Slim-Nicety that 10:15 is making me want to eat at home forever…eva!
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:24 am
LOL abc. I would think taking a date “to work” would have to be one of those things where you mention you are doing something this weekend (i.e. Habitat) and the date ask if they can come along and help also. It’s not something that anyone should surprise their date with.
Just show up to a jobsite and not forewarn the person. LOL
Professor
February 19th, 2010
10:25 am
abc EXACTLY on that 10:20
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:25 am
SlimOne, it is scary thinking about what happens to our food before it gets to our table.
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
10:27 am
slim………..thanks for the wave of nausea
DreamsMaterialize
February 19th, 2010
10:28 am
But what I am talking is giving and announcing it so that you can get recognition from other people. That’s the second time you mentioned this. My very first post said that I feel a person should NOT do this. You give for whatever reason you like. I simply asked a general (meaning not directed at you) question.
Cemeeli I’m not off base because I wasn’t directing my post you. Several people had stated that they prefer to give secretly. I didn’t attack that, just wanted to add that it’s not a false dichotomy…either you give in secret or you announce it to the world. There are other dimensions in between.
QC
February 19th, 2010
10:29 am
Morning everyone! Enjoy your day & have a lovely weekend! SMOOCHES
i'm swiss
February 19th, 2010
10:29 am
On topic: You’re not the only one who doesn’t get it, abc… I’ve never really thought of any sort of volunteer work as fodder for a date, either. Maybe once you actually get to know the person & discover you have a shared passion for some of the same causes you might do some sort of volunteer work together, but I don’t still wouldn’t consider that a date. And if a potential date ever suggested such an outing as a date then I would assume that she was either: a) trying to show off or b) not particularly interested in me, thus looking for something to keep herself occupied other than me.
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:30 am
I used to wait tables so I will just say “do not annoy your waiter”. I have seen what can happen behind those doors just by mistake so you can only imagine what someone will do on purpose when you want to be the arsehole of the day.
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
10:31 am
@ Raqui
Just show up to a jobsite and not forewarn the person. LOL
Have you ever seen that show the Millionaire Matchmaker? There was an episode where the millionaire (under 30) had made his fortune by creating a business called college hunks who haul junk or something like that……he was very insecure about dating women because he felt they all wanted him just for his money so for his first date with the check he picks her up in a company work truck and takes her on a “job” to do a junk pick up, not telling her so she is all dressed up and wearing stilletos and a dress OMG she played along but she was H-O-T!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:31 am
okay
When i wear micro-braids it’s not my hair right,….and when someone asks (especially these precious folk at work) i say “No, not all mine Becky”….as if.
But do i go about my days telling folks, or any old Joe that the extra hair ain’t mine? – No
when i got it done it was done in a shop (secret), it was laid (perfect for me), i paid (the gift/giving) and it’s mine (not regretting).
Same correlation to giving/charities…Give so that it’s done because there is not any clandestine order to it. whatever you do, do it not do for one of the least not to be seen.
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
10:33 am
oops check=chick
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:33 am
Swiss, I agree with you and then I don’t. It can be a date when you are helping others together. A date is just about spending time together. Whether it’s having dinner, sitting at home watching a movie, or serving in a soup line it’s a date if that’s what you have chosen to do on your date.
Like you said if it’s a passion you share then you can do it together…while dating.
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:36 am
Dreams Okay homie
. Thanks…was thinking i’d got you caught up thinking i was shunning the other aspects of giving.
I’m on a high today too – Lil Man’s work is being honored at school at 3. Cain’t wait!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:39 am
“do it not do for one of the least not to be seen.”
aaahhhhahaha…i’m smoking that stuff too!
“Do it as to the least, not to be seen!” <—that shld b attchd 2 the latter of my 10:31
Raqi
February 19th, 2010
10:41 am
Princess, I have never watched that show but I did see one of those shows, The Bachelor I think, where the guy took the lady home to meet his family and they owned a farm. He tested her by her having to work at the farm during the visit. While it was quite funny I think it was unfair to the lady. She should have been told that she was going to have to work.
All this just spring the craziest stuff on people to see how much they are really into you is just crazy. And sometimes you miss the mark because the person could very well be okay with the situation you have presented them with however the fact that you used it to surprisingly test them can really put them off.
When I was dating one of my exes I helped him do some work on his house. But he told me he was working on the house. He took me to the house to see the work he was doing because he talked about it when we were together. I helped because I wanted to and asked him if I could. He didn’t just take me there one day and put a paint brush in my hand to test me. That’s just crazy.
DreamsMaterialize
February 19th, 2010
10:42 am
Cemeeli You know we good. I don’t assume any more than is written on the page. I can only debate what’s written, not what I’ve read in between the lines.
Leggs
February 19th, 2010
10:42 am
That’s so special, Cee. I can feel you beaming way over here!!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:45 am
@Dreams – With your analytical processing!…I dig it tho.
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
10:48 am
@ Cee and when someone asks (especially these precious folk at work) i say “No, not all mine Becky”….as if.
You gotta love becky’nem LOL! They are so curious about our hair
…how do you get it to stay that way…..what kind of product…..i’m the ONLY nubian princess in the office and we did pies in the face for united way they didn’t understand me pulling out a headscarf and tying my hair up prior to allowing them to put whipped cream all over my face
I politely said i don’t know how many black girls you have worked with but we don’t play about our hair, so there will be no whipped cream in this hair! cause i can’t rinse my hair and let it air dry unt unh no ma’am
Melo
February 19th, 2010
10:49 am
abc EXACTLY on that 10:20
exactly abc and Professor!
Why even talk of volunteering when u have members of ur own family u arent helping out with just $10.00.
If u have to target a legitimate 501(3c) simply coz u want to get ur tax write off good,thats not even concsencsious(sp) giving! Thats IRS abeted ethical fraud!
Charity begins at home!
Help ur own folks just next to u there, if u really want to consider urself that kind of person be4 seeking a stranger,some miles asway and u dont even know.
kimmie
February 19th, 2010
10:53 am
Good morning, happy Friday Blog Fam!
Princess, I was just about to blog about that episode of Millionare Matchmaker! She was a better sport than I would have been about it. At least give me warning so I can dress appropriately! Men like that are such a major turn-off – those that think everyone is out for their money! I’m bout po as a church mouse, but that pride of mine would surely creep in and I would tell him he could definitely save every penny of it and lose my number! Patty told him not to do that, but he was HARD HEADED!LOL!!
Anyway, I agree with Professor, I get DRAINED reading about the efforts folks do to get a date, get a man to notice them, get a ring, keep a man, etc! It’s gotten to be absolutely ridiculous. Call me lazy if you want to, but if I have to go thru all that, I’d just stay by myself and be well-rested!LOL!!
As for the volunteering, I’ve heard several people that are really dedicated and serious, can’t get anything done at Hosea’s Feed the Hungry, because too many folks are there to be SEEN & hook up. People can’t help some of the folks in Haiti cause some folks were there for a PHOTO OP. Was the same with Katrina, whatever the CAUSE/FLAVOR of the moment is.
Be humble about whatever it is that you do to GIVE BACK. It should be just one of the many layers of you doing you. Something for a potential SO to DISCOVER when getting to know you!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:56 am
i politely said i don’t know how many black girls you have worked with but we don’t play about our hair, so there will be no whipped cream in this hair! cause i can’t rinse my hair and let it air dry unt unh no ma’am”
Princess – That is toooo cute! I know sis. My group just loves to see me come in with something new…whether it’s a cut, braids, color…they come right to me (711(indian co-worker) & Pebbles(gay)) too.
I just gone and explain.
When i started here 8 years ago i was SHOCKED! I was done of 6 ethnic in a corp of 250 folk!…but they/company is cool…this job is a true blessing from God.
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
10:59 am
@ Princess – i meant i was only one of 6 ethnic group of 250. I won’t tell you what the others did/do here…But we have since grown…
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:00 am
10.59,almost 11.00am
The best putter EVER approaching the podium!
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:00 am
Cee the funny thing is we have a lot of black guys here and they new what was up when they saw the silk scarf appear LOL and i did not take it off Until it was completely over!
they wanted to do a dunking tank, i was like go ahead but i will not be getting in it
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:04 am
Talking LIVE!!
Leggs
February 19th, 2010
11:04 am
Elin is not by his side!
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
11:06 am
Princess I know…i know…you and the scarf was on lock!
lol @ the black guys knowing not to say nothing to you!!! 
Dunking tanks are fun. I’ve done that at his school. Wasn’t dunked tho…i was shaking like a leaf! scared.
Do the dunk tank, girl.
kimmie
February 19th, 2010
11:06 am
Morning Blog Crew!
Okay, ate my earlier post, so here I go again!
Princess, I saw that episode of Millionaire Matchmaker! She was a better sport than I would have been! To not even let her know ahead of time so she could at least dress appropriately was ugly of him. Patty told him not to do that, but he was HARD HEADED! I cannot stand men like that – those that are so scared somebody is after their money, so a lady has to jump thru hoops to prove she’s not a gold-digger! I’m about po as a church mouse, but he could keep his little pennies and lose my number!
I’ve had many people to tell me, those that are truly dedicated to the cause, that they can hardly get anything done at Hosea’s Feed the Hungry because it’s so many folks “volunteering” to BE SEEN & hook up! Can’t hardly pass out stuff in Haiti or after Katrina cause folks in the way, for a PHOTO OP!
Professor, I’m with you – I get tired just seeing all this mess some folks go thru to get a date, get a man, get a ring, keep a man, etc! If I have to go thru all that, I’d just remain single & well-rested.
Be humble about what you do to GIVE BACK. You don’t necessarily have to hide, but you don’t have to be all show either. Just do it, do you. When you meet a person you like, your “cause” or passion will be one of those things about you to discover. If you happen to meet someone that shares that same concern for a cause in the course of helping out, that’s a great thing. But be about IT, not just about a date. Otherwise, you’re just getting in the way.
SlimOne...just call me Nicety!
February 19th, 2010
11:08 am
Sorry gang…(Said while pulling a pubic hair out of my coffee)
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:08 am
tiger does not sound sincere at all, he sounds like
“lemme get this over so i can get my endorsements back”
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:08 am
The putter is real CANDID…
Elin will be back…
I LUV TIGER!
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:09 am
rehab, therapy
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:11 am
can someone please locate sandman simms to get tiger and that novel he is reading off the stage LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:11 am
The only qstion I wld want to ask,given a chance is how many balls did he really sink and on how many different holes??
Cemeeli
February 19th, 2010
11:14 am
Luv? him?
Slim – That was Dreams.
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:17 am
Melo! Are they crying ?!?!? GTFOH!!!!
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:17 am
Elan and Me..!!
they are together…! (she just putting him in front,as usual!)
(u heard that, right?)
Today,most of u females learnt a LOT,about marriage!
His mom was there(they hugged after the speech),the most important woman in his lyfe!
Melo
February 19th, 2010
11:18 am
princessnik…?
crying for what??
Its not like he putted last nite..this is old issh!
princessnik...five miles to empty
February 19th, 2010
11:19 am
crying for what??
exactly my point melo, they dabbing their eyes like he going to jail for murder or something sheesh!