TOLEDO, Ohio — We are just one month away from the annual Blak Gala, which is celebrating its fourth year in Toledo.
The gala is an event dedicated to raising funds for nonprofits that work to uplift Toledo's underserved communities.
The gala was started by a group of friends that grew up together on Prospect Avenue in central Toledo. Jason Rayford, David James and Nate Maddox have spent years building their individual careers in music, marketing, fashion and other creative business ventures.
But in 2020, the childhood friends decided it was time to become business partners.
"It was just something that me and my team decided to come together and make happen," said Rayford.
They created "1983 The Brand", what they described as a network of entrepreneurs.
"It started off with a brotherhood, and it's a saying that nobody knows you like your brothers," said James.
Now the three use the brand to give non-profits the same chance at networking with an annual fundraising event, The Blak Gala.
"'Blak' is spelled B-L-A-K which stands for balanced life, acquired knowledge," Rayford explained.
In the last three years, $5,000 have been raised. So far, a portion of these proceeds have gone to Program Inc., Help Feed Toledo, and Mom's House of Toledo Child Care Center.
This year, the recipient of the fundraising efforts is Isaiah's House.
"It's good to see them doing stuff in the community, I'm glad I have a part to be able to add a twist to what they are trying to do," said Maddox.
Each member of the 1983 The Brand said it's a chance to use their creative gifts to give the philanthropists of Toledo a fun night out for a good cause.
"Sometimes it's good to know that we are making other people smile," said Rayford. "We have each other, so we laugh and have fun all the time. But when we see it on someone else's face, that makes us smile as well."
The event will be held on Oct. 26 at The Premier on Heatherdowns Boulevard. General admission is $65, donations with a ticket are $90, and tables for 10 people cost $700. Ticket sales end Oct. 12.
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