This past Thanksgiving, Steven “Steve-O” Carless, known for his fearless business decisions and acumen in the music business, showed a different kind of courage: the courage to care. Through his non-profit organization, The Defiant Foundation (TDF), Carless organized the 1st Annual Thanksgiving Day Children’s Dinner for youth at the Administration for Children Services (ACS) Children’s Center in NYC.
Over 200 young residents, ranging in age from newborns to 21 years old, enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving feast thanks to the generosity of TDF and their partners. The event saw an outpouring of support from local businesses, with food donations from The Chelsea House, Chef Ed at Harv & Marv Restaurants, Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine, and Make My Fish. But this was more than just a meal; it was a powerful display of community and compassion.
Carless, along with his family and friends, volunteered their time to serve the youth, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The event also saw the participation of key ACS officials, including Commissioner Jess Dannhauser, First Deputy Commissioner Winette Saunders, Executive Director of Programming Jermaine Pilgrim, and Associate Commissioner Sandra Bryce.
The Defiant Foundation’s mission goes beyond providing meals. They aim to bridge the wealth gap and economic disparity in underserved communities by empowering young Black and brown people. By connecting with the next generation through mentorship and programs focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, TDF hopes to create a lasting impact.
“Connectivity with the next generation is essential in forging leadership through mentorship,” states their mission. “The goal is rooted in teaching our children to be financially literate and entrepreneurially savvy in order to provide sustainability long-term in our communities.”
This inaugural Thanksgiving dinner was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting vulnerable youth. Through initiatives like this, The Defiant Foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people, offering them hope and opportunity for a brighter future.
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