Few Among Many 5K Walk/Run
I may not be the richest or the most famous, but I believe in the power of individual impact. Every time I can help or be a resource to just one person, I find a great sense of fulfillment. Recently, I relocated from Maryland to Houston to grow Veii Apparel and to challenge myself in a new environment. One of the first things I noticed was the severe homelessness issue throughout Houston. The extreme heat here, much hotter than in Maryland, adds to the struggle these individuals face daily.
Back in Maryland, I hosted community events every summer to bring my family, friends, and community together. During the winter, especially around Thanksgiving, I would gather donations and prepare meals for the homeless. My Tribe and I would cook and distribute plates across Maryland and DC. It was a small gesture, but it was what I could do to improve my community.
In Houston, I've been active with two run clubs: The Good Guys Run Club and Body Art Run Club. These clubs bring together so many amazing people every week to run and socialize. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to use this community for a greater good. I decided to host a 5K run, with all proceeds going towards creating care packages with daily essentials for the homeless.
Initially, I was nervous that people wouldn’t show up since I was new to the area. However, the event exceeded my expectations. We had an incredible turnout, with vendors like Adidas, Nocco, and Celsius participating, and SweatPals even sponsored the event. It was a huge success. I had the chance to meet everyone and share the mission and story of Veii Apparel.
The day after the event, Hurricane Beryl hit Houston, causing widespread power outages, flooding, and property damage. Many unsheltered individuals were left without a place to weather the storm. I saw this as an opportunity to put my words into action. The following Monday and Tuesday, I prepared more food and drove around the city, distributing meals and water to as many homeless people as possible. Their kindness and gratitude were overwhelming. In those moments, I was reminded that changing the world truly starts with one person at a time.
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