The Gospel Truth April 2024

Sandy Walker

Dear God:

My heart is heavy but my spirit is light, as you have called home my dear sister. Linda was a bright light in our family with talents, skills and abilities that greatly impressed and motivated each of us. She did not allow her lifelong blindness to prevent her from exploring all that life had to offer. We thank You Father for watching over Linda, protecting and guiding her as she experienced the beauty of Your world. We ask that You continue to shower her daughter and granddaughters with Your love.

Father, as my family grieves today my heart goes out to the many other families who are experiencing loss. We know that pain all too well. Help me Father to be mindful, considerate and supportive. Give me words of comfort that will touch hearts in a meaningful way as we remain steadfast in You and in Your love.

We know that even in the lonely hours we are not alone. You are here in our grief. You are here in our pain. You are here in our hearts… and all is well. — AMEN

Ways To De-Stress Daily

There’s been increased interest in mental health as more high-profile individuals have come out of hiding about their struggles with depression, anxiety and other mental issues that secretly plague their lives. It’s always shocking to hear about how someone could deal with something so serious without disclosing one ounce of discomfort and the solution to curing these situations isn’t always clear. Every person’s case is rooted in a different issue, however, there are several things that can be done by anyone to help with promoting optimum mental health. Here are five tips on how to relieve stress.

1. Talk to someone

Internalizing and keeping frustrations built up in the mind can cause unnecessary stress that can lead to animosity, depression and several other unhealthy mental states.

Unload your mind and get a clearer perspective on issues by talking to a therapist or a close friend or family member that will listen with

a non-judgmental ear. Getting an outside opinion about issues helps to gain a better perspective about what the underlying issue may be.

2. Keep a journal

When there is no one around to be a listening ear, it’s best to write down the events of the day and your feelings on paper. Keeping a journal is a great way to unload issues and concerns in a safe way. Your thoughts will be protected and kept safe within the confines of the journal and your mind will be at more ease after scribbling out your frustrations or concerns. You may even find a new hobby in writing that will keep your mind clear of mental debris.

3. Exercise

Exercising has been scientifically proven to improve mood because of the release of endorphins during physical activity. Keep emotions in check and spirits high by hitting the gym to walk the treadmill or take a class in yoga.

During yoga you can focus on the breath to keep your mind focused on the stretch, pushing all thoughts out of the mind. Make the commitment to schedule daily physical activity to help balance hormones and chemicals that facilitate in controlling emotions.

4. Remove stress triggers

Stress is a major contributor to anxiety and other mental conditions.

Keep stress low by being aware of the things that cause its presence and avoid them.

The more you can reduce your triggers, the better you will be at managing stress.

5. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and protein gives the body the nutritional value it needs to keep hormones and other chemicals that regulate emotions balanced. Doctors recommend a balanced diet for maintaining physical health and mental health.

Cozy Greens Sprouts in Homestead: Cultivating Community, Flavor, and Health

Cozy Greens, the newest gem in Homestead’s culinary landscape, proudly unveiled its doors to the public with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 7, 2024. Nestled at 223 S. Krome Avenue in the heart of downtown Homestead, within the bounds of the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Cozy Greens warmly welcomes patrons to experience a fusion of family-owned charm and wholesome fast-casual dining.

The grand opening event marked

a significant milestone for Cozy Greens, showcasing its commitment to promoting health-conscious dining choices in the community. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Homestead CRA Board Chairman Steven Losner, Homestead City Manager Dr. Zerry Ihekwaba, and CRA Staff, highlighting the restaurant’s importance to the local economy and its role in fostering community engagement.

Cozy Greens takes pride in its partnerships with several local

businesses, including a special “Cozy Greens” coffee blend crafted by a local vendor and delectable breads for paninis from La Patrona. Additionally, patrons can indulge in refreshing Kombucha tea and locally sourced honey available for purchase.

The menu at Cozy Greens features a diverse array of offerings, ranging from crisp salads and hearty homemade soups to savory paninis, invigorating smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, and breakfast delights, meticulously crafted to cater

to the discerning palates of health-conscious individuals seeking both nourishment and flavor.

Visionaries Jean Paul and Rochelle Caddote, the culinary maestros behind Cozy Greens, bring a wealth of expertise from their acclaimed ventures, Yardie Spice and A Ok Fish Market. Their dedication to quality and innovation has earned Yardie Spice accolades, including being ranked 7th Best US Restaurant on Yelp in 2020.

“We are thrilled to bring Cozy Greens to downtown Homestead, offering a welcoming space where guests can enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals,” said Jean Paul Caddote. “Our restaurant not only celebrates

healthy eating but also embodies Homestead’s rich agricultural heritage and commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.”

Cozy Greens received a $75,000 CRA Business Incentive Grant, underscoring the agency’s support for local entrepreneurship and economic growth. The grant has assisted in enhancing the restaurant’s infrastructure and buildout, ensuring a memorable dining experience for guests.

For more information about Cozy Greens and its offerings, contact JP at 786-351-4669.

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Recognized on Forbes’ Inaugural America’s Top 200 Lawyers List

Nationally renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been named by Forbes as one of America’s Top 200 Lawyers for 2024.

The inaugural list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers highlights the finest practitioners in the profession— lawyers with stellar track records in their specialties, those who have broken barriers to emerge as leaders in their fields, and attorneys most respected by peers and clients.

“It is a great honor to be included on the Forbes list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers for 2024, among so many incredible attorneys,” said Crump. “While, as a profession and as a society we have come a long way, there is much more work to be done and progress to be made. We must not take our feet off the brakes until there is equal justice

and opportunity for all Americans.”

Crump has handled high-profile civil rights cases, including George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tyre Nichols. In addition to civil rights cases, Ben Crump Law handles everything from class actions and mass torts to personal injury and environmental lawsuits.

Crump receives hundreds of requests a day for representation, but the civil rights cases he’s become famous for constitute only a small fraction of his practice. Crump is leveraging his legal brand to build a thriving nationwide business by partnering with firms in other jurisdictions on a variety of cases.

In 2021, The Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice at the St. Thomas University College of Law

was created. The center, housed within one of the most diverse law schools in the country, will train the next generation of lawyers and social justice engineers.

ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW

Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.

SOMETHING TO PONDER: Teachers

After being interviewed by the school administration, the teaching prospect said, “Let me see if I’ve got this right:

“You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

“You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war

on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

“You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

“You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the state exams.

“You want me to provide them

with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents by email, telephone text and report card.

“You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

“You want me to do all this and then you tell me... “I CAN’T PRAY?”

Your well-being is our priority

April is National Minority Health Month. Certain chronic diseases and conditions are more common or severe among racial and ethnic minority groups. April is a time to recognize how having an active lifestyle can reduce your health risks. Simple changes like incorporating small amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in your daily routine can transform your life. At Jackson Health System, we take pride in providing world-class services for everyone, and are attuned to the special healthcare needs of minority communities. Look to us for unmatched and expert care.

to find a Jackson specialist near you.

NABCO 2024 Leadership Summit & Retreat:

Uniting African-American County Officials for Empowerment and Advocacy

In his latest book, Memphis-based author and documentarian D. John Jackson provides context for the global COVID-19 pandemic, examines the economic and human impacts and explores the lessons for humankind in an increasingly interdependent world. As a seasoned corporate executive with multiple degrees in engineering and international business and nearly two decades as a vice president for global strategy, planning and engineering with FedEx, Jackson is well suited for his examination.

In his introduction to “For Whom the Virus Tolls,” Jackson observes: “Regrettably, it seems to require an apocalyptic event akin to the four horsemen sweeping across the world to capture our attention, focus and thought. Such events demand collaboration and unity to work toward positive outcomes.”

And throughout his book, Jackson consistently demonstrates a theme that “we are always better when we work together.” The recent outbreak of a new coronavirus exemplified this reality, leading to global supply chain disruptions, overwhelming health care systems, and sparking social and political unrest. The virus, much like the bell in John Donne’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” invoked an ominous multifaceted reckoning that we must confront as it has forever changed our way of life.”

So far, the coronavirus has killed more than seven million people worldwide, including more than 1.2 million in the United States. Jackson shares stories of the widespread human and economic impact as well as stories about perseverance through a series of engaging

conversations. Those interviews are with doctors and nurses, pastors and entertainers, barber shop owners and operators of health, beauty and fitness businesses, folks serving the homeless and others working to maintain local blood supplies, among others, with perspectives from Memphis, New Orleans, and New York City. “For Whom the Virus Tolls” is Jackson’s newest book. Copies are available at local bookstores as well as through amazon.com. A companion documentary film “For Whom the Virus Tolls” will be released this year. Jackson serves as CEO of 5J Entertainment. In addition, he is a highly sought-after public speaker on topics including Leadership, STEM education, World History, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, and the dynamics of global competition. His first book, “What About Me,” features success stories and experiences of African American men across the USA. A documentary film is also available for digital download through Amazon Prime Video.

The National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO) proudly announces the NABCO 2024 Leadership Summit & Retreat, scheduled to convene from April 25-27, 2024. In the heart of downtown Miami, the InterContinental Miami will serve as the backdrop for this transformative gathering. This event stands as a beacon of empowerment, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic advocacy for African-American elected and appointed county officials.

The Leadership Summit & Retreat promises a dynamic agenda, featuring insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and moments of relaxation. Attendees will engage with industry leaders, executives, and fellow county officials from across the United States, fostering connections and exchanging ideas to drive positive change in their communities.

“We are thrilled to host the NABCO 2024 Leadership Summit & Retreat in Miami,” expressed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee, President of NABCO. “This event serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to empowering Black county officials and amplifying their voices in the decision-making process. By convening in Miami, we not only foster a supportive environment for collaboration and growth but also symbolize our collective resolve to drive meaningful change and representation within our communities. Together, we are forging a path towards a future where every voice is heard, every perspective valued, and every opportunity realized.”

The summit’s agenda boasts an array of captivating sessions and events:

April 25: Opening Night - Welcome to Miami Rooftop Party

Join us for an electrifying kickoff event on the InterContinental Hotel Downtown Miami Rooftop, featuring special invited guests and hosted by Miami-Dade County Commissioner

Kionne McGhee, President of NABCO; US Congresswoman Frederica Wilson; Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; Miami-Dade County Chairman Oliver Gilbert III; David Whitaker, President of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Luther Campbell.

April 26: NABCO Summit - Day 1

NABCO 2024 Leadership Summit & Retreat: Politics vs Policy Panel

Delve into thought-provoking discussions and panels moderated by industry experts, including Bill Diggs, Rodney Ellis, Mary Estimé-Irvin, Stanley Moore, and Victoria Siplin.

Cocktails & Conversation with District Attorney Fani Willis

Enjoy an evening of networking and dialogue at Fani Willis, with music by

BoWeezy - The Urban, and appearances by Miami-Dade County Commissioner

Kionne McGhee, President of NABCO, Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis, Cook County Board Commissioner, and Journalist Roland Martin.

April 27: NABCO Summit - Day 2

NABCO 2024 Leadership Summit & Retreat

100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA, INC. LAUNCHES ITS “REAL MEN VOTE” CAMPAIGN AND NATIONAL TOUR RALLYING BLACK MEN AROUND THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING

The nation’s largest African American-led mentoring organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc., announced today the launch of its “Real Men Vote” campaign and 13-city tour. The tour kicked off in Cleveland, Ohio on April 1st at Premier Barbershop, and this effort is focused on delivering critical voter education and engagement ahead of the 2024 Presidential election.

Milton H. Jones Jr,, Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America , Inc said “We are an organization with more than 4,000 members, all of whom are registered to vote in the upcoming national and local elections. Further, all of these men are committed to helping men and women in their communities register to vote, learn about the election issues and see the importance of casting their ballots at every opportunity to vote.”

In addition to a critical Presidential election, there are 435 seats in the House of Representatives and over 30 Senate seats up for election this year. Ahead one of the nation’s most consequential election seasons, the “Real Men Vote” campaign is dedicated to combating an onslaught of misinformation and voting dissuasion campaigns. The goal of the tour is to equip Black men across the country with accurate information about issues and policies at the federal, state and local levels.

Dr. Wes Bellamy, Chair of the Public Policy Committeecommittee of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Board added “ Black men and their potential to shape future elections have increasingly gained national attention. “However, with that attention has come an influx of misinformation tactics directly tar-

geting them. The “Real Men Vote” campaign was created to provide Black men with the information and tools they need to make informed civic decisions that allow them to leverage their voting power to better our communities and protect our vision for the future.”

The multi-city tour will feature town halls curated by 100 Black Men, Inc. chapters in each respective city to discuss the importance of voting and how voting builds power. In cities noted below, the Town Halls will be jointly hosted by the Coalition of 100 Black Women and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc… The 100 Black Men of America will also be working with the Collective Education Fund, Black Voters Matter, and others to ensure that this is a collaborative approach to engage Black men from a multitude of backgrounds.

The “Real Men Vote” tour will be hosted in the following cities:

Mobile, AL

Charlotte, NC

Cleveland, OH

Philadelphia, PA *

Pittsburgh, PA

Macon, GA

Las Vegas, NV *

Atlanta, GA *

Detroit, MI

Milwaukee, WI

South Florida *

Jacksonville, Florida *

Baton Rouge, LA *

*Co-hosted by 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and Coalition of 100 Black Women

100 Black Men, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to im-

proving the quality of life and enhancing education and economic opportunities for all African Americans. Through mentorship, education, health & wellness, and economic empowerment, the organization is committed to initiatives that empower community members to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities they serve.

To learn more about the “Real Men Vote” campaign and upcoming tour dates, please visit 100blackmen.org/ real-men-vote and follow the organization on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About 100 Black Men of America, Inc. 100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.

Source: 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

OneUnited Bank Announces 14th Annual “I Got Bank” Contest For Youth In Celebration Of National Financial Literacy Month

Boston, MA – In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, is proud to announce its 14th Annual “I Got Bank!” National Financial Literacy Contest, where ten children will win a $1,000 savings account. To make financial literacy a core value for children, the Bank is offering a free “I Got Bank” E-Book.

Students from across the country between the ages of 8 and 12 are encouraged to read a financial literacy book of their choosing, and either write a 250-word essay or create an art project to show how they would apply what they learned from the book to their daily lives. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by June 28, 2024. The Bank will choose ten winners and award each winner a $1,000 savings account at OneUnited Bank by August 31, 2024. For more information, please visit: www.oneunited. com/book.

Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank President and author of “I Got

Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money”, wrote the book when she discovered that there weren’t enough books geared toward educating urban youth about finances. “Given the impact of inflation and shrinkflation, it’s important for families to become financially literate,” states Ms. Williams. “OneUnited Bank advocates for financial literacy to be taught in K-12 schools across America. Our contest and free e-book make it easy to teach children about the importance of savings and investments, good credit, home ownership, having a profitable business and other keys to building wealth!”

The 2023 winners were Zoey Bradley, 9, Columbia, MD, Jada Current, 12, Buckeye, AZ, Kailee Marie Friend, 8, Hawthorne, CA, Taelyn Johnson, 9, Dorchester, MA, Sue Lee, 12, Los Angeles, CA, Ian Robinson Jr., 11, Middletown, DE, Cailyn Sanders, 11, Miami Lakes, FL, Aydin M. Soner, 9, Columbia, SC, Katalyn Wiley, 11, Conway, AR, Tatyana Wright, 12, Columbia, SC.

“I Got Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money” is published by The Beckham Publications Group, Inc. (Beckham House). For more information about the official contest rules, please visit: www.oneunited.com/ book.

Media Contact: Suzan McDowell, Circle of One Marketing, suzan@ circleofonemarketing.com, or 305576-3790

About OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank is the premier bank for urban communities, the largest Black-owned bank, the first Black internet bank and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Its mission is to provide affordable financial services to support economic development in urban communities and maintain superior financial performance to maximize shareholder value.

OneUnited is an FDIC insured bank and an equal housing lender.

Autism Speaks Encourages Early Screening

Most children with autism, the neurodevelopment disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 59 children, aren’t diagnosed until they are 4 or 5 years old. This is in spite of the fact that children as young as 18 months can be reliably diagnosed. And in news that surprises no one, delayed diagnosis is even greater in minority and low-income children.

But earlier diagnosis helps children with the disorder maximize their development potential. That’s why Autism Speaks and Sesame Workshop joined forces to promote early screening and diagnosis with a multimedia campaign starring Julia, the 4-year-old “Sesame Street” muppet with autism who was introduced to the world two years ago.

“Autism is a brain difference that starts really early in life, probably during pregnancy,” Thomas Frazier, Ph.D., Autism Speaks’ chief science officer, told Black Health Matters in a recent phone interview. “In kids as early as 9 months, you can see if they are sharing smiles and facial expressions with their mother or caregiver. Are they babbling? Are they pointing or responding to their name?”

He also directed attention to a new study which found autism can be diagnosed in children as young as 14 to 15 months. “It’s why universal screening at 18 to 24 months [recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics] is so important. Obviously age 4 is much later than we would like because we can diagnose much earlier and get them intervention.”

And this screening, diagnosis and intervention information is what the Autism Speaks-Sesame Workshop collaboration is attempting to relay to parents.

“It’s a great mechanism to get the issue out there, because kids can be diagnosed reliably early,” Frazier said. “‘Sesame Street’ has this great relationship with children and parents of children. We can talk about what is autism, what’s the value of early diagnosis, and get the word out about screening.”

The series of English and Spanish videos show Julia interacting in her unique way in everyday activities with her friends and family. In one of the PSAs that’s part of the campaign, Julia has a speech generating device because she’s mostly nonverbal. She calls it a talker. “Because she’s using it, she’s communicating well,” Frazier said. “It lets people know if you run into a person with a speech generating device in the grocery store, you’ll know it’s a device used by someone with autism. It gets people used to these behaviors.”

The campaign is also beneficial in helping Autism Speaks share available treatment and support, including speech and occupational therapies, behavioral therapies that teach children with autism what they need to do to perform daily living skills, and social skills, such as shaking hands and looking someone in the eye.

“You want to teach kids to exhibit the social skills we all need,” Frazier said. “Can you be friendly with people as a way to get into a relationship? Are you able to exhibit the skills you need to develop a friendship. Can you finish a conversation? Maintain an appropriate distance from someone? These are all skills neurotypical people take for granted. We’re just teaching them more actively in people with autism.”

Parents who have concerns about their children or who have a child who may have just received an autism diagnosis can also find a wealth of free resources at ScreenForAutism. org. They can also connect with a resource team at Autism Speaks’ helpline, 888-AUTISM2.

“We focus a lot of our attention on developing resources,” Frazier said. “There are toolkits for adult transition, dental visits and resources for friends and family members. It’s so important in African American and Hispanic communities. We really want to close the gap.”

HISTORIC MACEDONIA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIAMI, INCORPORATED

The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Tau Zeta Chapter of Miami, Florida worshiped with the congregation of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, one of the oldest historical black churches, in Miami-Dade County, during the month of March.

The significance of the month of March, Women’s History Month, is also to acknowledge the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Celebration of “Finer Womanhood”, which includes participating in service at a chosen place of worship in the Miami- Dade County Community and providing scholarship or financial support to a chosen ministry of the church.

Upon consideration, the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Coconut Grove was the church of choice, for the members of Beta Tau Zeta Chapter, to visit. It was also because of its’ historical life-line and the welcoming gesture and invite of the church’s Pastor, Rev. Lance B. Bailey, Sr., the church First Lady, Mrs. Monique Bailey and Congregation.

Due to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated signature programs, of supporting and mentoring children and youth, the Beta Tau Zeta Chapter provided a financial contribution to the Youth Ministry of the church Pastor Bailey extended the most appreciative and gracious words to the members and visitors during Beta Tau Zeta Chapter’s visit to Macedonia. ……..

“To all the supporters of this ministry and to those who are visiting our church and partner- ing with us in prayer, I extend to you my heartfelt gratitude for your love and support toward the preservation of this historical church”.

“We want to thank our sisters in “Royal Blue and White” , who chose to worship with the Macedonia Family on this Sunday. They are true servant leaders like Esther 4:7-17, “for such a time as this”. “We honor you for your courage, strength, and faithfulness as you stand in the position God has called you to serve in the community”.

Reverend Lance B. Bailey Sr., was

elected as the thirteenth Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, installed on August 12, 2018 - present. Preceding him were (Organizer & Founder: Rev. S.A. Sampson-1895; Rev. J.A.F. Finlayson-1939-1970; Pastor Emeritus Rudolph Daniels-1983-2018). Since the inception of the church and its beginnings in the year of 1895, it became the oldest Black Church in Miami-Dade County and South Florida’s history because it was the first black church on the South Florida Mainland to be organized by Blacks.

Reverend Bailey and its’ congregation is small, but has a strong foundation and is determined to be a spiritual beacon for others in the community. They are impassioned about the work that God is doing through the church. He states that, “Our Lord said, where two or three have gathered together in My Name, I am there in their midst”. (Matthew 18:20)

“It is our prayer that we build on the past, looking toward the future, as we continue to reach out and seek out salvation” Reverend Lance B. Bailey Sr. Pastor

THE MIAMI-DADE TALENT SEARCH

Time for Young Performers To Show Their AMAZING Instrumental, Dance, Voice, Original Composition or Spoken Word talent to the WORLD!

Universal Orlando Tickets & 2-night Hotel Stay for 2 courtesy of PLUS: $500 CASH courtesy of Actors’ Playhouse