Lifestyle
New Shoes, Fresh Start: Legendary Soles Host Back to School Event

The spirit of community was alive and thriving this past weekend as Legendary Soles hosted its Back to School Shoe Giveaway at the Frederick Douglass Center. Families from across the city came together for an afternoon filled generosity, celebration and preparation for the school year.
Families were excited about the event. In fact, they were so excited that they began lining the Frederick Douglass Center’s parking lot at 11:30am even though the event didn’t begin until 2:00pm. Legendary Soles organizers Keasja Peace, Erykah Finn and Larry Green went above and beyond the basics by pulling together various resources from across Toledo offering free shoes, backpacks, haircuts, hairstyles and nail painting to help students look and feel their best and they continue with the school year.
The event also featured free food, live entertainment from DJ Stevie Chanel and resource tables, helping to create a fun and positive atmosphere that was balanced with purpose.
For many families, the cost of shoes and school supplies can add up quickly. By lifting that financial burden, Legendary Soles provided not only practical help but also a boost of confidence for students that will allow them to focus on success in the classroom. One parent who attended the event summed it up best “I didn’t know how I’d get new shoes for my child this year. This event means everything to us.”
Legendary Soles plans to continue building on this momentum, with hopes of expanding outreach and partnerships in the future to serve even more families.
Lifestyle
Out Of Focus | Stevie Chanel | Episode 8
In Episode 8 of Out Of Focus, Jesse Coleman sits down with DJ Stevie Chanel for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about identity, family, and recovery. Stevie opens up about growing up in a faith-based household and the challenges she faced when her family struggled to accept her homosexual lifestyle. She shares how that lack of acceptance led to distance from her parents, living with her grandmother, and entering a toxic first lesbian relationship that had a lasting impact on her emotional well-being. As the weight of unresolved trauma grew, Stevie found herself battling alcohol and spiraling further away from who she was meant to be. This episode traces Stevie’s turning point—finding Team Recovery, embracing accountability, and rediscovering gratitude as a daily practice. Through recovery, she’s rebuilding her life, her relationships, and her passion for music, stepping back into the DJ world with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a raw, real, and inspiring story about resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of gratitude in both personal healing and professional growth. Follow DJ Stevie Chanel: Facebook: facebook.com/steviechanel Instagram: instagram.com/steviechanel
Business
2 Cups Cafe | William P Dunston | Big Daddy’s Backyard BBQ Sauce
In this episode of *2 Cups Café with Allen C. Jackson*, Allen sits down with **William P. Dunston**, the proud owner and creator of **Big Daddy’s Backyard BBQ Sauce**. They dive into William’s inspiring journey as an **entrepreneur**, from perfecting his signature BBQ flavor to turning his backyard passion into a thriving business. Tune in as they talk about **what makes great BBQ**, the **challenges of building a brand**, and the **drive it takes to succeed** in today’s competitive market. Grab a cup, pull up a chair, and enjoy this flavorful conversation packed with wisdom, laughter, and a little bit of that Big Daddy’s magic. https://www.bigdaddysbbqllc.com
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.”
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