DMA Solutions’ Dan’l Mackey Almy Hosts Virtual Celebration and Foodservice Fundraiser
DALLAS, TX - Sometimes we get so stuck in defining the problem that we limit our perception of the potential solutions that await us. Now, I am speaking of the many but not the whole—and definitely not Dan’l Mackey Almy with DMA Solutions. New challenges demand new strategies for, and with the state of social distancing today, and the COVID-19 pandemic pulling the proverbial rug out from under our traditional ways of engaging, Dan’l took it upon herself to not only think outside the box but has jumped on top of it.
The industry marketing leader and DMA’s President and Chief Executive Officer had a virtual birthday this past March 31 and her way of combining the challenges of today with the needs of our industry inspired her to give us a show and a way to give back.
“Friends and industry members from across fresh produce and the arts joined me for a virtual birthday party full of amazing music and fun to benefit the restaurant and artist communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as New York City,” Dan’l shares with me. “The night was filled with laughter, tears, and generosity as my husband Drew and I created a GoFundMe account and matched every dollar raised. We also donated additional funds to Brighter Bites and Broadway Inspirational Voices from our family foundation.”
Dan’l invited a host of performing artists to perform live and entertain the virtual attendees through Zoom, and help the family raise money.
Artists ranged from up-and-coming NYU students to three Broadway performing artists and even two of Dan’l’s favorite country artists of all time—Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Just in case you need a little context, they have written no. 1 hits with George Strait, Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill.
Overall, the contributions surpassed $15,000 between the GoFundMe, Dan’l and Drew’s match, and the Almy Family Foundation gifts donations.
There is a lot to take from this: innovative thought, positivity in the face of challenges, and the emerging unity that is defining the way we are treating each other on the front lines.
We, at AndNowUKnow, hope you had a wonderful birthday, Dan’l, and we see this event as a gift that will keep on giving!
