Tying the Threads

Vox Culture recently concluded our Common Threads theme with a celebratory event to unite the entire community.  What a success! The Vox team, the Community Cloth, the Houston refugee community, 55 Bar and Restaurant, Langford Market, and many many more joined forces to make it happen.

"The Interwoven Mixer was a memorable celebration of the rich culture and ethnic identities of the refugee women living in our Houston community.  Without words, their faces transferred a depth of kindness and warmth to the guests and their courage and strength were evidently displayed in the beautifully hand crafted goods sold there.  The informational booths of their history displayed along the walls brought a deeper awareness of their humanity and presence in our city and the "traditional meets modern" fashion show was a fun way to represent how we could all find connection with each other through our differences.  There was a lot of passion and enthusiasm backed behind everyone involved with the event, which made this cause truly inspiring to learn about and be a part of."

-Song Kim, volunteer

Empowering the refugee community the way that the Community Cloth does is truly a cause that Vox supports. We are incredibly thankful to have partnered with the amazing folks from the Cloth and to have met the beautiful souls of all the artisans who are a part of the organization.

the Community Cloth, handmade products by the artisans

The event sought to spotlight the rich culture, tradition, and history of the artisans from the Cloth. We wanted our guests to get talking about refugees and what their roles were in Houston. One of our most important features was a visually and emotionally stimulating refugee display, which served as the centerpiece at the mixer.

refugee display, special thanks to Linda Shelton

We had some great entertainment that really set the mood: a fashion show as well as a cultural dance. Our fashion show incorporated traditional outfits from Burmese and Bhutanese cultures and their currently in-style counterparts.

models in their outfits, special thanks to our volunteers, Houston’s refugee community, and Langford Market

The dancers performed classic Burmese pieces that got the crowd pumped—some even joined in!

dancers, special thanks to John Glenn and the Refugee Community Empowerment Association

Finally, we have to give it up for the amazing raffle gifts donated to us by our supporters, including various local businesses in the Houston area. When our volunteers reached out with an opportunity to do good, we recieved warm welcomes and much enthusiam. We were deeply touched by every donation.

raffle prizes, special thanks to BB’s Café, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, Croissant Brioche, Dada's Candy, Kim Son, Melange Creperie, Najite Boutique, Prodigy Hair Salon, Ruggles Green, Texas Rock Gym, Romano's Macaroni Grill, and Yao’s

We are so thankful for the contributions we were able to make to the Community Cloth as a result of such a successful event! Our hope is that our audience left the mixer excited to have found such diversity within the unity of our community, and are willing to spread that excitement to the places we couldn't reach.

 

group photo, special thanks to our volunteers

More Photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.425166934216414.103653.144918752241235&type=3

The Community Cloth: http://www.thecommunitycloth.org/

Testimony by Roxanne Paiva from the Community Cloth: http://www.voxculture.org/testimonies/

55 Bar and Restaurant: http://www.55houston.com/

Langford Market: http://langfordmarket.com/