We held our Wine & Design fundraiser Tuesday evening, and it turned into one of those nights that really shows why Oak Ridge is such a special place. The evening didn’t go exactly as planned, but the way the community came together was nothing short of amazing.
Originally, we had everything set up to host the event at a local spot in Jackson Square. But when we arrived, the location was completely closed—lights off, doors locked, and no one there. For a split second, we were all wondering, “What now?” Our guests were already starting to arrive, and it looked like our plans were about to fall apart.
But then, the spirit of Oak Ridge kicked in. We quickly headed over to Razzleberry's Ice Cream Lab, just a few doors down, and asked Sam, the owner, if we could move the fundraiser there. Without missing a beat, Sam welcomed us in and got everything ready for us. Then, Jordan from Calamity’s Coffee saw what was going on and immediately jumped in to help. She brought over tables, chairs, and a fresh pot of coffee, making sure everyone was taken care of. And April from Make Lemonade Art Studio, who was leading our watercolor session, embraced the new setup without hesitation, helping everyone relax and enjoy the evening.
Later that night, I was talking with a friend about how the fundraiser turned out, and she laughed and said, “This sounds like something straight out of a Hallmark movie!” I had to agree—it really did. But what made it even better is that this wasn’t a scripted feel-good moment; it was real life, and it was Oak Ridge at its best.
The night ended up being a huge success, not just because we were able to raise money, but because it was a perfect example of how this community comes together when it counts.
Sam, Jordan, and April, thank you for turning a potential disaster into a night full of creativity, connection, and genuine community spirit. And to everyone who came out, thank you for your flexibility and support. You made the night one to remember.
Oak Ridge’s small businesses are more than just places to shop or grab a coffee—they’re run by people who genuinely care about their neighbors and are always ready to lend a hand. This is what makes Oak Ridge such a wonderful place to live, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
If you're able, show youre love to our local small businesses, they are part of what makes Oak Ridge the community that it is!
Sam at Rassleberry's Ice Cream Lab and Kitchen - 215 Jackson Square, Oak Ridge.
Jordan at Calamity's Coffee - 219 Jackson Square, Oak Ridge
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