ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Local nonprofit organizations and community advocates were recognized in April during “A Night to Celebrate Those Who Give Back,” an event hosted by Life & Libations at Raw Sushi Bar and Lounge, 8280 Elk Grove Blvd.

The gathering highlighted organizations dedicated to serving the community while also giving local nonprofits an opportunity to network and build connections. The mixer was presented through Life & Libations, a monthly mixer group focused on supporting growth for community organizations through genuine and thoughtful connections.

Five organizations were honored during the event: Bereavement Network Resources of Sacramento, God is Good Series, Miracle University, IYT (Improve Your Tomorrow) and Her Health First. Representatives from each organization received certificates of recognition and shared information about the work they provide throughout the Sacramento region.

Among those recognized was God is Good Series, founded by Ranyl McNealey. The platform promotes the message “God is Good” through social media videos and apparel including shirts, sweaters, tank tops and hoodies sporting the phrase.

McNealey said it felt meaningful to have his work recognized during the event and praised organizers for creating an inclusive space for local entrepreneurs and nonprofits.

“They recognize each voice with respect and with honor,” McNealey said.

Bereavement Network Resources of Sacramento was represented by board member Kayla Freyja and President Elizabeth Cantu. The nonprofit has served Yolo, El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties for 42 years by providing grief support resources for individuals coping with the loss of a spouse, child, relative or pet.

 

Ranyl McNealey of God is Good Series pictured during his speech at the “A Night to Celebrate Those Who Give Back,” mixer hosted by Life & Libations. 

“It’s been an honor to receive recognition from our community and to be able to amplify more goals on what we’re trying to do,” Freyja said.

She added that the organization has consistently received support when connecting with groups throughout the Sacramento region.

“It’s been very cool moment to see the community in action,” she said.

Her Health First also shared information about its work supporting African American women through pregnancy and postpartum care. Denise Powel, a pregnancy coach with the organization, said the program works to improve access to healthcare systems while promoting positive birthing experiences through pregnancy support, home follow-ups and postpartum services.

Powel said the Sacramento County-based program is free and available regardless of income through a lottery-based enrollment process.

She added that events like the mixer are valuable because they allow organizations to connect with one another while sharing resources that can better help each other serve the community.

“I’m really enjoying learning about all the other programs that are out there, and I really like it because it helps me with my clients,” Powel said.

 

Life & Libations organizers Shavonna Andrews and Jason Flowers stand with Bereavement Network Resources of Sacramento President Elizabeth Cantu, center left, and board member Kayla Freyja, center right, after its nonprofit received a certificate of recognition during the April mixer. Photos by Stainless Stills Media Company

Another organization recognized during the evening was Miracle University, a nonprofit focused on a county-wide effort to reduce the student dropout rate.

Founder Dr. Kadir Raja said the organization works to ensure students graduate and pursue college or career pathways through community service opportunities and real-world experience with local businesses.

Raja said he appreciated the opportunity to participate in an event that both recognizes nonprofits and raises awareness about their missions.

The event was organized by Life & Libations founders Jason Flowers and Shavonna Andrews, who said the evening was created to honor organizations dedicated to community service while also helping them build “genuine and meaningful connections.”

Flowers said the event was originally launched three years ago as a kickoff to the annual Big Day of Giving campaign.

“When we started it three years ago, we wanted to have a kickoff for Big Day of Giving (May 7), so this is the start of it,” Flowers said.

Flowers said the networking group has continued to grow through relationships built both at the mixers and within the broader community. He added that organizers have received encouraging feedback from nonprofits that have benefited from the connections formed during the events.

“It’s humbling to hear how much they’re getting out of this… it was something that we wanted to give back to them, offering the opportunity to the connections they have been making to take their nonprofit to the next level.”

 

Dr. Kadir Raja, founder of Miracle University, gives a speech about his nonprofit’s mission during the “A Night to Celebrate Those Who Give Back” April mixer.