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LIFE* PROJECT K.I.S.S.

August 24, 2011 in LIFE

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Pre-show prayer

So you think I’m alone?
But being alone’s the only way to be
When you step outside
You spend life fighting for your sanity

This is a cold war
You better know what you’re fighting for
This is a cold war
Do you know what you’re fighting for?

If you wanna be free?
Below the ground’s the only place to be
Cause in this life
You spend time running from depravity

-Janelle Monae

Last weekend I was blessed to have had the experience to spend my day and evening with amazing high school kids looking to make a difference. Project K.I.S.S. provides a platform for kids 13-25 to get HIV/Aids testing without the stigma of being tested. Students from various NYC programs came together to put on a fashion show with a message of acceptance for their peers and various guests. Stylist Pamela Shepard’s blood sweat and tears helped deliver a spectacular show!

Established runway models and Harlem’s Fashion Row Founder/CEO, Creative Director and other members volunteered their time to assist in making this event effortless from dressing the kids to teaching them how to rock out on the catwalk. Here are some behind the scene pictures that I was able to snap between helping dress the kids to having goosebumps from the high energy of the room.

-DK

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Pam & I

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Model Juana Burga & student

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Tags: a good cause, givingback
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NOW YOU KNOW* UNIGLO & CONDE NAST JAPAN

June 1, 2011 in NOW YOU KNOW

I’m happy to see that people are continuing to provide ways to give back to the people of Japan. UNIQLO and Condé Nast Japan have teamed up to have Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow and seven others to design t-shirts with proceeds to benefit the Japanese Red Cross. June 25 is the date to get ready to spend, spend, spend. After all they’re only $19 a pop!

The 11 countries and regions where the charity T-shirts will go on sale at UNIQLO stores are Japan, United States, Britain, France, Russia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Check out all the Save Japan! gear here.

-DK

Karl Lagerfeld Uniqlo Japan Red Cross t-shirt

Tags: a good cause, shopping
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NOW YOU KNOW* LET’S MOVE!

May 4, 2011 in CELEBRITIES, LIFE

I’ve spoken about giving back, the amazing benefits of paying it forward and helping the kiddies out by mentoring. More and more I see the need for these moments of generosity and how just taking that moment to give back can leaving a lasting impact.

Yesterday in Washington DC, Lady Obama surprised students in a DC area school. Beyoncé did the very same thing and surprised a few students at PS 161 in Harlem for the Let’s Move! campaign that she is spearheading in conjunction with Lady O. These babies seemed to have time of their lives getting fit and being rewarded for taking that leap to remain fit and healthy. Dougin’ it out to the Let’s Move anthem Beyoncé and the students sported the official Let’s Move Deréon t-shirts. All I’m saying is where can I get one to give to my mentee?!

Let the beat drop and let’s get these kiddies moving toward a healthier future.

-DK

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These kiddies look GEEKED ...hahaha I love it!

Here’s a look into Beyoncé’s visit:

Here’s the official commercial:

Tags: a good cause, celebrities, NYC events
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PROM

April 28, 2011 in LIFE

Prom season is upon us. I can somewhat remember the prom’s that I attended. My high school didn’t have a prom so I went to my friends prom’s. My best friend at the time had her own school prom so instead of wasting money, I simply borrowed her dress. Here’s one prom picture. I can’t find other. I’ve since had a few formal dresses that I’ve donated but this year I plan on donating to donatemydress.org. Everyone should have the opportunity to dress to the nines at least once.

-DK

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Frugal fashionista in the making.

Tags: a good cause
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HELPJPN.ORG

April 15, 2011 in LIFE

japan

Open those wallets and those hearts!

Tags: a good cause, NYC events
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PAYING IT FOWARD

April 13, 2011 in LIFE

Pay it forward – “The expression “pay it forward” is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead. In sociology, this concept is called “generalized reciprocity” or “generalized exchange”. A related transaction, which starts with a gift instead of a loan, is alternative giving.”

This past weekend while eating out with a friend, I witnessed an amazing gesture. An older woman sat in between my table and another.

She was alone.

She looked like a very sweet old woman on her gangster lean sippin’ on a margarita with salt. She had to be have been about 80.

Any ways…

She was doing her own thing when the couple on her left finished their meal and left. Shortly there after the waitress returned to inform the old lady that, that very same couple paid for her entire meal including tip. Over hearing this, my heart grew extremely heavy because never before have I ever thought of doing that for anyone. The old woman started glowing and started to talk to me about how great her meal was and how she didn’t even know their names but was appreciative.

I’ve given my leftovers to homeless people on my way home and volunteered my time but that was such an impromptu moment of selflessness I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My brain immediately started going into overdrive trying to figure out ways to give back. After all it’s the little things that count. I may just rip the idea and pay it forward because I’m one blessed individual.

It’s time to pay it forward.

-DK

Tags: a good cause
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