This May, I had the great honor of being a part of the 4th Annual Single Mom Awards (SMAs). This is an award show, celebration, and fundraising event, presented by Single Moms Planet. Single Moms Planet is a Los Angeles based non- profit organization founded by model, tv host, and momprenuer, Neferteri Plessy. She assists struggling Single Moms and their children through a variety of programs and activities that aim to uplift, empower, and educate. These programs vary with a great range of philanthropic activities. These may involve giving families access to emergency assistance and shelter. Or perhaps introducing children to enriching experiences they might not have been able to otherwise access.
The Annual Single Mom Awards takes place every year around Mother’s Day at the ever so beautiful Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The goal of the SMAs is to honor phenomenal women across a wide array of professions. These ladies could hail from film & television, entrepreneurial work, moms in sport… the list goes on. The atmosphere is just beautiful, from the cocktail hour and red carpet to the sit down tea party and presentation of the awards. The event is filled with such positive energy and inspiring stories that leave a lasting impression and encourage everyone to flourish and achieve!
I was blessed to participate in several roles for this amazing event:
Sponsored A Table Of 12 On behalf Of The Balanced Mom
When I found out that Single Moms Planet was looking to fill several sponsorship tables, I jumped at the opportunity! It was a way for me to show my support not only financially, but also through a public association of our two brands. With my guests present, I could help them understand one thing especially. That myself and my brand, The Balanced Mom, fully supports Single Moms Planet and their efforts to assist moms and their children. It was equally exciting to invite a few of the LA Rams, some of my husband Rodger’s friends, along for the experience. Along with friends of my own, we all enjoyed an opportunity to dress up and attend a tea party! Yet, the most important part here, was that we could support a cause we all cared dearly about. It’s a win win across the board!
Conduct #howdoesshedoit? Interviews Of Several Honorees And Special Guests
This was perhaps my favorite part of the day! I got to sit down one-on-one with several of the show’s honorees. It was a pleasure to sit down with actress, author, and TV host, Garcelle Beauvias, who was awarded the Single Mom in Film and Television award. Also, I had the pleasure to sit down with CEO of Earth Friendly Products, Kelly Vlahakis – Hanks, who was awarded two awards; Visionary of the year and Family Brand of the year!
I also interviewed several other rockstar individuals, Carolyn Yashari, Founder of Hop Skip Drive, Danny Butcher , founder of Angles Mannies, and Veronika Obeng, star of E!’s new hit reality show, Second Wives Club! During each interview with the moms, I was able to learn a little about how these women are balancing motherhood with their career lives. Furthermore, the moms and Danny the Manny all shared fun tips and tricks they had learned along the way! Those interviews will be available on The Balanced Mom YouTube channel soon!
Present Award For Corporation Of The Year
Anyone who knows me is aware I’ve never jumped at the chance to speak publicly…ever. Though, when I was asked to present the award for Corporation of the Year, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I was willing to get over my fear of public speaking in order to honor three moms who came together to form a business that fulfills the need of so many families. Hop Skip Drive, which is like Uber for kids, has skilled and professional drivers that help families transports their children safely when they can not do it themselves!
The day was filled with action, and a lot of new experiences were had by all. It was beyond an honor to be a part of. I was able to witness a lot of greatness up close. I overcame some fears, made valuable connections, and supported an outstanding cause all at the same time!
Single Mom Awards Helped Me Realize A Few Things.
Everyone knows a single mom. The statistics say that 1 in every 3 children are being raised by a single mom. The odds of your mother, aunt, or friend being a single mom is high. If you’ve seen their struggle up close you know how important it is to support them as they are going through a tough transition. Sadly, most single moms are reluctant to ask for help and would rather try to do everything themselves. I want to support these women and let them know there is no shame in asking for help. We all encounter uncomfortable situations in life. Which is why having a network of people to support you through it all is invaluable. We never know what predicaments life will bring, so let’s always count our blessings and be a blessing to someone else in need when we can.
Please Join Me In Spreading This Message!
I would love for everyone to join me in supporting the efforts and programs of Single Moms Planet. They are making a difference in so many ways through their impactful programs that help women and children get back on solid ground financially and emotionally. You can find out everything you want to know about this non-profit by visiting their website. If you know a single mom, PLEASE recommend that she takes a look at their helpful resources and to become a member . Even if you’re not a single mom, you too can become a member! You could become a mentor or or get involved in their monthly events! Either way, it’s always a good time. Better still, it’s a great environment for women to get inspired and support each other.
I’m so looking forward to taking part in next year’s Single Mom Awards. Each year it gets bigger and better! I can’t wait to see who will be honored next. If you have a suggestion for a single mom who deserves to be recognized for making an impact and paving the way for women everywhere, please share their names and why you think they should be nominated in the comment box below!
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Also, please take a look at the recap video from the 2017 Single Moms Awards! I tried to capture the essence of the event in a short 1 minute clip. Although it was a hard task because the day was filled with so much activity! This recap video, along with all of the interviews I conducted will be available to be viewed on The Balanced Mom YouTube channel!
Thanks for reading !
Be Blessed. Be Balanced. You Deserve it.
