Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 8-28-15 Edition

Features
Dual Fundraisers Planned To Benefit Breast Cancer Organization
BYIRISB.HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
The month of September promises to be busy for Ms. Iselyn Hamilton as she prepares for two events. The first is an annual walk and the second is a bi-annual fundraiser.
Ms. Dallas is the Presi- dent of Sisters Network Tampa Bay Affiliate and is making preparations for the organization’s Annual Walk on Saturday, September 26th. This year, the organization will partner with Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace, 8718 North 46th Street, from 8 a.m. until 2 p. m.
The purpose of the walk is to promote awareness of breast health and cancer in the African American com- munity. The event will feature exhibitors, health screenings, a blood drive, and health re- sources. There will also be door prizes, refreshments, and vendor samples.
The event allows breast cancer survivors to be hon- ored and breast health educa- tion, information, brochures, and other resources to be made available. Those in at- tendance can visit with ven- dors from 9 a.m. until 12 noon.
Ms. Hamilton said the
MS. ISELYN HAMILTON ... Founder of
I’m A Survivor, Inc.
Five-Mile Walk is one of the organization’s initiatives to support the local BCAP (Breast Cancer Assist Pro- gram) Fund.
The day after the annual walk, I’m A Survivor, Inc., will present its Bi-Annual fundraiser on Sunday, Sep- tember 27th. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Magnolia Build- ing, 702 E. Orange Street, in Lakeland.
As the founder and CEO of
I’m A Survivor, Inc. Ms. Hamilton said, “I was diag- nosed in 2006 and completed my treatment in 2007. The following year, I founded ‘I’m A Survivor, Inc.’ The theme this year is, “Cele- brating The Celebration Of Life.”
“We are celebrating the lives of those who have con- quered this disease while we raise funds for those who are still fighting. The fundraiser is an evening of dining, dancing, and entertainment. The focus is on the different types of music.”
Ms. Hamilton said that 100% of the proceeds from the fundraiser are donated. This year, the proceeds will be shared between Sisters Net- work Tampa Bay Affiliate and Faces of Courage. Faces of Courage provide a free week- end of pampering and relax- ing to breast cancer survivors.
She further said that funds are used to provide mammo- grams and ultrasounds for those women who are unin- sured or underinsured. Addi- tionally, funds are used to provide assistance to those undergoing treatment. “Some women can’t work during treatment and may need help paying an electric bill or other expenses. So we help when- ever possible.”
For additional informa- tion about the walk, contact Sisters Network of Tampa Bay at (813) 491-3745; or email tampabay@sistersnet- workinc.org.
For additional informa- tion about the dinner visit the website at www.ducklingto- diva.com.
Restaurant Takes Pride In Serving Quality Meals In Quantity
From left to right: Rosetta Burns, Judith Linwood, Shandra Hey- ward, and the owner, Rochelle Heyward.
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Rochelle Heyward was raised around a lot of adults who loved to cook. She learned a lot just watching them, and when she got her chance, she started created her own dishes by experimenting with differ- ent seasonings to get the taste she wanted.
“If it didn’t taste right to me, then I wouldn’t serve it to others. I’ve always been critical of restaurants, because I know
quality food when I see it and eat it, and very few have quality food.”
For the past 18 years, Rochelle has been in the restaurant business and the owner of Rochelle’s Diner Country Cooking. She had been located on the corner of 34th and 21st Avenue, but illness in the family forced her to close.
Rochelle said looking back, that might have been a blessing, because she likes her new location at 4008 North 34th Street a lot better.
“A lot of people wonder what restaurant owners do when they aren’t cooking at work. They think we go out for dinner to avoid cooking at home. For me, nothing could
be further from the truth.
“I don’t go out because I eat what I cook. I’ve never taken a culinary class, but I did get my recipe for cake baking from my
late mother-in-law.” Rochelle has a full menu,
but also has developed her own specialties like her famous col- lard greens and skillet fried chicken.
“I opened at my current lo- cation 7 months ago, and I’m starting to get a lot of business. I have a staff of four, and all of them are family members.
“I have no plans to open an- other restaurant at this time. I love being a small family restaurant. My brother does the grilling, and it’s truly a fam- ily affair.”
Rochelle said there aren’t many African American restau- rants around, and she felt peo- ple needed a place to eat where they’d get quality and quantity.
“I have a full breakfast menu complete with seafood, and from Thursday to Sunday, I’m busier than any other time during the week.
“I personally shop for everything I serve in my restau- rant, because I want everything to be perfect. I think we have the dishes everyone really loves.”
PAGE 4-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015