Lifestyle
Shrimp & Grits Gala: Where Party Meets Purpose
Toledo turned up the class and culture on September 27th as the city’s movers, shakers, and style-makers gathered at The Summit in Downtown Toledo for the Shrimp and Grits Gala, hosted by Craig Burney and Vintage Lifestyle Events. This wasn’t just another fancy night out, it was a full on celebration of entrepreneurship and community, but most importantly a night of giving back.
From the moment guests stepped into the building, the vibe was undeniable as the event was a black-tie affair with a dash of Toledo flavor. Between the live entertainment from Toledo’s own DJ Bri-Z, who kept the vibes going all night, from the signature drinks that were designed and crafted by the Vintage Lifestyle team and of course, the signature shrimp and grits dishes, the evening was one to remember. But beyond the glitz, the heart of the gala was rooted in purpose.
A portion of the event’s proceeds went directly to the Family House shelter, a Toledo-based organization dedicated to helping families who are experiencing homelessness by providing safe, temporary housing as well as supportive services. The donation was a powerful reminder that when the community comes together, real change happens.
“We wanted to do more than just throw a great party,” said host Craig Burney, the visionary behind the event and Vintage Lifestyle Events. “This gala was about celebrating success while also giving back to families in our own community who need support. That’s what true impact looks like.”
The night also served as a spotlight for local entrepreneurs and creatives, giving them the shine they deserve. From small business owners to brand builders, the gala honored those who hustle hard, dream big and help make Toledo a thriving hub of innovation and culture. “It felt amazing to be surrounded by so many positive, motivated people,” shared one up and coming entrepreneur who was attending their first gala. “You can really feel the love for the city and the support for one another. It’s definitely bigger than business; it’s about the community.”
From start to finish the Shrimp and Grits Gala embodied the best of what Toledo represents: style, culture and a spirit of giving. With Craig Burney and Vintage Lifestyle Events leading the charge, this annual celebration will quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated nights of the year. “We’re building something special here,” Burney added. “This is only the beginning.”
Lifestyle
Faith, Community and Civic Engagement Take Center Stage at Marcy Kaptur’s Toledo Prayer Breakfast
TOLEDO, Ohio — The 419 Grind was in attendance Saturday morning for “Congress & the Congregation: A Prayer Breakfast,” hosted by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur at The Summit in downtown Toledo.
The September 26 gathering brought members of the Northwest Ohio community together for a morning centered around faith, fellowship, prayer and conversation about the future of the region. The event ran from 8 to 11 a.m. with Dr. Calvin Burney serving as M.C. for the morning and featured Congresswoman Joyce Beatty as a special guest. Also in attendance were Dr. Pat McKinstry of The Worship Center, Rev. John C. Jones of Hope Toledo and Pastor Christopher Rowell of The Refreshing Place, who shared messages centered on faith, service and the importance of voting in the upcoming election before Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur took the stage.
The gathering provided an opportunity to hear directly from Kaptur and Beatty while connecting faith and public service to issues facing local communities.
During her remarks, Kaptur spoke about issues appearing on this year’s ballot and emphasized the importance of citizens exercising their right to vote and making their voices heard at the polls. She also reflected on her time representing Northwest Ohio in Congress, highlighting accomplishments and initiatives from her tenure in office and discussing her continued work on behalf of the region.
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty also addressed those in attendance, speaking about Kaptur’s years of service and the work she has done for Northwest Ohio during her time in Congress. Beatty highlighted Kaptur’s commitment to the communities she represents and reflected on her work in Washington, D.C., while emphasizing the importance of continued civic engagement and participation in the democratic process.
Kaptur currently represents Ohio’s 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and will be running for re-election on November 3rd as she looks to continue representing Ohio’s 9th Congressional District.
Rise & Grind Morning Show | Friday March 20, 2026 | Rhonda Sewell
Hosted by Shawn Juan, Ty Cleveland, Tyrone McCain and Just Jay @highlights
Call in 419.740.0433 Become a Sponsor For ONLY $50 | Cash App $project360studios Sponsored by: P360 Studios, Ohio Unity Coalition, LRTV, Toledo Arc, The Tabernacle Church, Pink Lady Cigar Club, Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC. The Social Butterfly, YMYW4C, Nickel Bar & Grill, Car Tier One Auto Sales, One Creative Cutie, Cerssandra McPhearson, Untamed Salon, Legal Shield by ARM, Jamaican Reggae Kitchen, McCain Insurance and Casualty,H-Town, KSM Mobile Laundry
Music By: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iZFJ… Like, Comment and Share!
We Do Not Own The Rights To This Music
Hosted By Shawn Jaun, Dr Ladale and Just Jay @highlights Trending Topics with Leah Renee presented by @LRTV Call in 419.740.0433 Become a Sponsor For ONLY $25| Cash App $project360studios Sponsored by: P360 Studios, Ohio Unity Coalition, LRTV, Toledo Arc, The Tabernacle Church, Pink Lady Cigar Club, Your Computer Needs of Toledo, LLC. The Social Butterfly, YMYW4C, Nickel Bar & Grill, Car Tier One Auto Sales, One Creative Cutie, Cerssandra McPhearson, Untamed Salon, Legal Shield by ARM Music By: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7iZFJ… Like, Comment and Share! We Do Not Own The Rights To This Music
Rise & Grind Morning Show | Tashara B – CPR419 | Fri Nov 13, 2026
Rise & Grind Morning Show | Toya Taylor – D’ierre P’ierre | Fri Nov 6, 2026
Rise & Grind Morning Show | Aaron Kovacs | Mon Nov 2, 2026
-
Music1 year agoChris Byrd: The Soundtrack of a Gospel Legacy Rooted in Toledo
-
Out Of Focus1 year agoOut Of Focus | Rob Louis – Gospel On The Green | Season 2 Episode 3
-
Out Of Focus1 year agoOut Of Focus | Chalie Numbas | From Global Stages to Local Soundwaves | Season 2, Ep2
-
Out Of Focus5 years agoOut Of Focus Episode #8 w Gutta Dave
-
Music1 year agoGospel on the Green 2025 Brings the Praise
-
Music2 years agoFrankie Corleone: West Toledo’s Hip-Hop Powerhouse
-
Music3 years agoThe Mayor Toledo Always Needed: Celebrating the Legacy of DJ Big Lou
-
Music1 year agoExclusive Interview with Cynthia Zachrich