Simply Elevate January 2014 | Page 27

Purple Champion Group By: Renisha Battle Giving back to the community Members of the Purple Champion Group at the Shoebox Gala 2013 Photo by Juan Richardson Christmas is a holiday that is spent showing appreciation to love ones throu gh gifts or time spent. It’s a joyous occasion to celebrate life, health, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. In celebrating happiness, sometimes remembering those who are less fortunate is put to the back of minds until a situation comes to trigger individuals to do and give more. Organizations like the Purple Champion Group have banded together to make sure the misfortunes of others are not forgotten at the most important holiday of the year. Purple Champion’s annual Shoe Box Gala was held on December 14, 2013 at the North Pavilion in Durham, NC. The Shoe Box Gala partnered with the Durham Parks and Recreation to bring the community together to help give children toys and toiletries for the holiday season. Various business owners and patrons contributed unwrapped gifts to support the Purple Champion Group. The group was formed in 2005 and group members include Phillip Harrington (co-founder), Jamie Patterson (co-founder), Juan Richardson, Shaka Moore, and Anthony Gayles. These community-oriented, young men, created the Shoe Box Gala as a way to give back to the Raleigh-Durham area. The banquet style event included local vendors, wine tasting, and a live DJ. What is next for the Purple Champion Group? The group will continue to grow as an organization and create new business ventures to improve the community. www.simplyelevate.com 27