Little Miami River Catering

We met at a Panera and almost immediately we were laughing about life. Entrepreneurship, motherhood, rushing and creating.

Molly, with her husband Matt, is the owner of Little Miami River Catering, the go-to caterer for weddings and events in the Dayton area. They are the chosen caterer of the Mandalay and so when the Brightside suggested that I talk to Molly, I was excited.

Food and an event on the topic of Hunger seems like a synergy, but both Molly and I wanted to be careful about the message. LMR Catering crafts feasts and we are hosting an event about hunger.

And so, Molly offered to donate her time and effort, her talents and her craft. Molly is busy. Her time is money. And she is giving food in order to help raise awareness about hunger. And there is beauty in that synergy.

Molly’s feast is included in a VIP ticket.

“More than 29 years of catering in Dayton, Ohio! Little Miami River Catering can create and cater for you an extraordinary event to remember. We cater a range of events from formal sit-down dinners to casual backyard barbecues. We'll create an experience that fits your personality, budget and fine taste in food. We are completely flexible and capable of accommodating small, cozy parties to large events, from 50 to 5000 people.” - http://www.lmrcatering.com/about-us

LMR Catering

Liftoff

I met Jay when the Liftoff Entertainment main office was within Nucleus in the Oregon District. Jay always had some crazy neon shirt or giant sunglasses or multi-colored wig or funny quote to share. No matter what kind of day you are having, Jay can bring sunshine to the room. His laugh is contagious. His head tilts back and his eyes close and his laugh comes from deep within him, out into the space, so that you cannot help but laugh too.

As soon as you meet him it does not surprise you that Jay is in the business of facilitating fun. His website says is perfectly: “We love entertaining, period. At your next event, picture fun music playing, people dancing, and guests taking fun photos in one of our awesome photo booths. From weddings to corporate events, we provide both DJ and Photo Booth services and tailor them to your event. If you're looking for party professionals who love what they do, look no further than the passionate team at Liftoff Entertainment.”

And there is so much more to Jay than a good time. Jay has been supporting his community since the conception of his business. From Hoopla to the Dayton Adult Prom, from hosting workshops about business planning to volunteering in the community, Jay finds ways to fit fun into fundraising.

The LORE Mainstage Hunger event is going to be a lot of fun, in part because Jay is a sponsor of the event. So get your ticket while you still can. This event is going to be a night to remember.

Jay Nigro

Strings

I met Rob on Facebook. How we became friends, I am not quite sure, but when he offered to help me figure out the sound system situation at LORE's downtown Dayton location, I said, “Yes, please.”

After a few Facebook messenger communications we decided to meet in person and figure it out. In all honesty, I did not expect Rob’s kindness. He greeted me with a genuine and unassuming smile that immediately put me at ease. His offer to help was given without strings. And because of his gift, the LORE space was ready for the Grand Opening. And Rob continues to have an impact every time a storyteller takes the stage.

A few weeks after our initial meeting, Rob presented an entirely different set of strings. Meeting Rob at his space in the Front Street Buildings, I was greeted by some of the most beautiful instruments that I have ever seen. This sacred space where legendary musicians adorn the walls, exquisite instruments sit waiting to be played and classic furniture invites you to stay, feels like something between an artists living room and a private lair, where only the privileged are welcome. And I feel privileged. Rob shares stories as we tour the place. He introduces me to people and he asks how he can support me. When I mention the LORE Mainstage: Hunger event, he agrees, almost immediately, to share his talents on stage.

Of course he did. Because Rob is that kind of person. He passionate about his craft and community. And he has a huge heart.

You can find Rob on stages in Dayton in bands including Chakras, Goldmatch, and DoubleDown and now, at the LORE Mainstage: Hunger event on Thursday May 9th at the Brightside Music Venue.

Rob Olsen