Feed Your Soul: Support the important work of community advocates

Later tonight, more than 80 local artists will be joined by live music and silent auctions for Feed Your Soul. Brian Cramp is at House of Rad with a sneak peek at this creative collaboration that gives back to our city. Good morning. Good morning, Derek. What a great place this is as well. And over the course of the last year since being here, Brandon, I got to say, wow, I mean, you guys have really made this place grow. About 40 artists locally are here and now call this home as well. But before we get going to the event, which is great, into year 22, what is House of Rad? What do you guys do? Yeah, so House of Rad is the House of Resident Artist Doers. And as you said, there's local artists from 12 different area codes. So 48 studios upstairs, 14 downstairs. We're just trying to provide access, tools, and community. Well, you know what, you're bringing that community together, but that's exactly what this event started more than 20 years ago or so. It was back in 2004, I believe, when this started, and the idea was a really grassroots organization to bring creatives. together under one roof and then to give back to the community and this year you guys are giving back in a big way to community advocates as well. As we see some of the artwork on the walls, what types of art are we going to see at the event tonight and is this all for sale? Yes, absolutely. It's all for silent auction. All proceeds go to community advocates. You're going to see some ceramics, some abstract art, you'll see some low relief sculpture for wall pieces. Thank you. Paintings, drawings, photographs, even leather masks. Yeah, I guess the fun part is that we can come here and be amongst the artists as well because it's going to be really hands-on. There are about 35 artists, you said earlier, that are going to be live painting. Yeah, that's right. So you'll be able to watch. The artists finish the piece live and kind of bid as it goes. Yeah, and it's not only that, but it's also an event that has music. It's got some beverages. I mean, this is really the community coming together for a great cause, too. And Community Advocates does such a great job for you. What are you going to be doing? I mean, you're the host. You started House of Red. This is actually the fourth location that we've seen you in, and now that you're calling home. But are you also going to be live art? I would love to get back to that. The hosting part is kind of a big deal. You know, you got to walk around, shake hands, kiss babies. Yeah. Yeah, have a couple beverages as well. You know, a lot of people that are coming down today are familiar with the event. There's a good portion of people watching right now that don't know about it. It is a fun time. I'm going to say, I've been to this event before. What a fun time. And it's lit up in a different way. There's a lot of energy, a lot of art, and a lot of creativity. But also, you're giving back. For you, what makes this event something that you have to host every year? I mean, we've done it for over a dozen years now, and just, I mean, the energy is palpable. Yeah. Giving the artists an opportunity to be on a different platform and a different stage, and then have them give back to the community, and then also sort of like have a legacy piece to be a part of and share in the local community. And give us a locator, too, real quick, because it is kind of tucked away in an area in downtown that some might not have been to before. Yeah, so 12th and St. Paul on the corner. We are in the Brass Light building, essentially. We're right next door. Yeah, right next door, too, and it's interesting. As you walk around, this is just one of the spaces. It's not a maze by any means. It is a large space, and it's going to house close to 700 people or so. Tickets available at the door for $100. Can they still do online early, or is that sold out? I believe the online tickets are offline now. It's at the door only. Well, and you know, too, that all going towards a great cause with community advocates. We're going to meet some of those individuals that work for that organization as we get into the 7 o'clock. But look at this piece, guys, just one of the many pieces you'll be able to find and silently bid on today for the Feed Your Soul MKE here at the House of Rad. Brandon, always great seeing you. Always great to see you. That's pretty cool. Yes, I was looking at it blown up in the screen across the screen. All right, we'll see you in just a little bit. Well, Feed Your Soul is more than an art party. It's a chance to support the important work of community advocates. Brian Kremp is at the House of Rad event that's happening tonight to find out how this celebration helps make a difference for local families. Hey, Brian. Yeah, and Derica, too, it's a great event. More than 700 people will be here tonight. It's been going on for 22 years or so, and Deb, I know that you have fun at the event. It's a great place to be, but also you're here for a different reason this morning because with Community Advocates, you know, it's a lot of money that's raised last year, $120,000. My goodness, talk about what that money can do for you guys and your organization. Oh, it's so helpful. You know, we serve over 60,000 people annually within our continuum of housing services, and these These dollars directly support our emergency shelter, our supportive housing, really providing over 3,000 safe nights for people that are rebuilding their lives after homelessness or domestic violence. Maybe you could share some of the community support that you get through the mission. What is the mission, first of all? We exist to help people meet their basic needs, so our continuum of housing services from eviction prevention to emergency shelter and supportive housing. We do some public policy work as well. Yeah, it's a lot of people. It's not just your team. I mean, in the community. And a lot of people are giving back as well. I mean, you have a lot of sponsors that are helping out this year. Well, the committee is outstanding. We have over 70 sponsors that are supporting Feed Your Soul this year. So just truly incredible. And again, these are dollars that directly impact the community. And so it means so much to community advocates and the Milwaukee Women's Center. And we're just really, really grateful to be a part of this event. There's a certain type of connection that happens here. I think when people come here It's the art community, but then there's the community that also wants to give back and better our area, our city. What have you seen between that connection as we look at some of the beautiful art pieces and the event itself? Well, art is so powerful, and I think the mantra is building community with art. You walk into House of Rad and you see just the access that it provides to artists, and essentially that's what Community Advocates does as well. We provide access and resources to people, and so just that connection is there. But art truly brings people together. Yeah. Very meaningful. Well, and this space is pretty amazing, isn't it? I mean, just being in the House of Rad. Right. It's something you have to see, too. So that pre-sale ticket is officially done. The $100 you can buy at the door. But knowing that it also goes towards a great cause. Yeah. So registration is actually closed, but virtual bidding is open. Oh, virtual bidding is open now. Gotcha. So you can head to fysmke.com and buy a virtual bidding ticket and see the incredible art that we have. And then... That closes at 10 o'clock tonight, but save your calendar as well for next year, the first Friday of November. Yeah, we're here pretty much every year as well, and it's been something that I've traveled alongside Brandon. Yeah. Originally at Flux Design when that existed years ago to where they are today. What's most fun for you at an event like this? Because there's a lot of people that are smiling. So happy, and it's truly an experience, like nothing you've ever seen before. I remember when people were trying to describe it to me, I was like, you just have to experience it for yourself. I do. But it's like every year is different. It's different, and it's just, it truly is the coolest event of the year. Yeah, I mean, some days you're going to, excuse me, some years you'll see and hear the DJ. Some years you'll see fire breathing, some live painting, which is always a joy, with 35 local artists that are going to be doing that this year. But also the fact that we can bid on those silently here, as well as online. You want to give that website again, just in case? Yes, fysmke.com, and that connects you to the portal. Awesome. Yeah, we appreciate all the hard work you guys do with Community Advocates as we're looking around here as well. We know that this is an event that's happening annually, 22 years. Last year alone, $120,000 for community advocates, hopefully going to raise $150,000 this year. You can all be a part of it. Hit up their website and more at foxlocal.com as we get going all morning long. Deb, thanks for your help and all the hard work you guys do. Thanks, Brian. Appreciate it. Like the sun this weekend. All right, well, from housing help to energy assistance, we know Community Advocates is there for Milwaukee families when they need it the most. Brian Krim joins us live at the House of Rad, learning how Feed Your Soul helps support so many people, Brian, in this community, and of course, so much programming that offers so much help here. Yeah, they've been doing it for a long time as well, and a man that knows all about that, Maruela here, joining us again. Saw you last year. Great to see you again. As the COO of Community Advocates, I know that there's a lot of hard work. You see it day in and day out. A lot of people may be hearing about it for the first time. Talk about those 40-plus different programs and services that you guys offer and who it actually connects with in the community. Sure, thank you. Community Advocates has been around for 50 years now. I've been there for for 27 of those years and for the The last, I can say, 25 years we've administered 40 programs around areas of housing, health care, utility assistance, disability assistance. Mental health services, drug and alcohol counseling, batterer prevention, domestic violence services, and the list goes on and on. And ultimately what we wanna do is make sure families live in stable housing, stable living situations, and if they're not, we wanna help them get to that point. Well, and that's the work that you're doing here today is one of those amazing events that you guys will benefit from. Last year, we talked about this earlier on, $120,000. The goal this year of $150,000 is we look around the space here of one of the groups that's Talk about the event, because for you guys, it must be a ton of fun to see all these smiling faces on all these people giving, all because of the art community rallying together. The event is phenomenal. Last year was my first time at the event. I didn't know what to expect. I can tell you, I was not ready to leave. Oh, gee. We had the tattoo, we had the art, we had food, I mean, you name it. Fire breathers. Yes. If you talk about feeding your soul, this was an event that helped feed the soul. Yeah. If you wanted some self care, some just relaxation or some excitement, this was the place to be. It's a different vibe too. I think a lot of people probably were like, whoa, the first time they stepped in and then you gradually get into it a little bit more. Now back to community advocates, you guys do have some pressing needs. What are some of those as we head into the holidays and the winter months? Yeah. I mean, definitely. Families and individuals are struggling with just meeting their basic needs. And when we talk about that, we're thinking about housing. Again, the core of stability in someone's life is housing. If you don't have that, you can't focus on other things. We have people that are losing their employment because they don't have stable housing. We have people that can't focus on their health because they don't have stable housing. So that is the essential thing that we want to focus on, housing. And then we kind of figure out all those other things. Again, we talk about mental health services, behavioral health, physical health, getting those families and individuals wrapped in with those services as well. How are you guys connecting with those individuals that are in need? Do they come to you? Do you seek them out? Yeah, we actually are one of the few agencies that you can walk in and you'll see someone. Five days a week, eight to five, and a lot of them are just coming into the agency. A lot of referrals from different partners, whether it be Milwaukee County, City of Milwaukee. There's just a lot of partnership and referrals to our organization. Yeah, well, we appreciate all the hard work today. Obviously, you're going to be here tonight. The team's going to be here as well, celebrating, to say the least. But yeah, the goal is $150,000 this year that hopefully they'll raise, and with 35 live artists and another 80 that are going to be doing some silent auctions, I think they're going to hit that mark. Mark, always great seeing you, keep up the great work. work here. By the way, 27 years. For a guy that was supposed to be there for six months, that is something to be said. I know you love the organization and you're doing some good things. Thanks for all the hard work. Thank you. Oh, that's so wonderful. It sure is. All right. Let's go out to our future forecaster right now. Hey, you're doing an amazing job. An artist to make an impact tonight at Feed Your Soul. Brian Cramp is finding out how virtual bidding and community generosity help support community advocates. Yeah, and I'll tell you what, they do a great job of that, too, over the course of the past 50 years, Andy. Is that correct? 50 years. My goodness, and you've been part of it for, what, 37, 36? 36 years. My gosh, as CEO of this wonderful organization, I know that you must be excited about the event happening tonight with Feed Your Soul. First, let's talk about that mission for Community Advocates and the work that you guys do. Sure, yeah. So our mission is to work with individuals and families. through advocacy and services to make sure they're able to meet their basic needs and live in dignity and really provide that hope. for them and work with them. Yeah, and you've been there for so long as CEO over the past 12 years, you get to see those stories, you know, kind of evolve the individuals that are in need that you get to help out in many different ways to talk about some of the success stories that you've encountered in your, you know, more than three decades worth of time there. Yeah, I mean, one that stands out for me is so I started as a social work. Um, intern, um, ended up getting started working in our housing department and had the opportunity to work with families that were transitioning from, from homelessness back into permanent housing. Very, very rewarding, like giving, you know, giving people that opportunity to kind of work on stuff that, that led to their homelessness and get back into permanent housing and about Five years ago I ran into somebody that I worked with when I was first starting and she's a community organizer and really giving back to the community and really raising up her community. So it's just the tools that she learned, you know, as we work together, she's kind of applying those to her life and making her community better. Well, I like that because the artists are making the community better too. And this is the artists are a very strong community here in Milwaukee. As you can see, some of the things that are on display, I mean everything from Giannis Antetokounmpo as a rookie, you know, and to masks that are just wonderfully designed, to pottery, you know, you have watercolors, you have acrylic, you have drawings, beautiful pieces of work and 80 plus artists are a part of this event. Feed Your Soul has been around for 22 years. And talk about grassroots and how that operation started to where it is today. You guys are the benefactor again this year. What's that vibe like when you walk in the doors here at House of Rad for this giant celebration? Yeah, I mean, it's amazing. I mean, like I said, I've been to this event before and it's like nothing you've ever seen. And just the culture that has been created through House of Rad and Feed Your Soul. to providing opportunity for these local artists to show their work and then also give back to the community. It's amazing. I mean, it's how we see our work is investing in the community and supporting them and walking alongside them. To thrive, and that's what House of Rad does. Yeah, and we'll be able to walk alongside the artists tonight, because 35 of those will be live painting as well. Some of these pieces may be done by the artists a little bit later on. Andy, thanks for all the hard work that you guys are obviously doing with Community Advocates of the Benefactor again today. It is Feed Your Soul, $100 at the door for this wonderful event, House of Rad in the Valley here in Milwaukee. Guys, more Fox 6 Wake Up happening after the break, but if you can make it tonight, please do, and support this great cause. Thanks, Andy. Thank you. Imagine watching local artists create original pieces right before your eyes and then having the chance to take one home. Brian Cramp is at House of Rad previewing tonight's Feed Your Soul event with an artist whose art reflects her heritage. So cool, Brian. Yeah, this is definitely cool, too. And I think the individual is pretty cool herself. Celeste, thanks for joining us today. I'm just looking around your studio here at House of Rad. I'm in awe because I know that you have a passion behind what you do, but also the heritage is a big part of that. So just give us the background a little bit, because when I said I was part Polish, you said, yeah, me too. But what else? Oh, your background. Your parents are? Yes, my mom and dad were both printers. My mom actually printed and worked at the Journal Sentinel. Oh, wow. And then was replaced by computers. Yeah. So, and that's my mom's side, Mexican and Mexican, and we're from Dallas, and then my dad's side is Polish Blackfeet Cherokee, and I don't really know that side. I'm starting to learn more about that side, so anybody Polish, I'm like, teach me. Well, I want to be taught how you do what you do, because it's not just taking a rubber stamp that exists in time and putting ink to it and then down on the paper. You're carving this. The uniqueness of the letters, the uniqueness of the designs as well. That's all you. And then it has meaning to you. And then you go to your medium, which looks like you have different types here as well. So primarily, would it be to paper or what is your jam, so to speak? When I first started printing, it was screen printing. And there's screens all on the back of my studio wall here. And that I printed on fabric. And fabric was just very forgiving and generous. Paper is a lot more challenging for me. So right now you're seeing all of my rubber stamps, but I also have linoleum and wood carvings here. Yeah, and you're going to be doing the live stamping. Yes, we're doing live stamping tonight. That means that we can see you doing your art, but also walk away with it. And you can do it too. Well, we can do it too. I'm welcoming the community to always come and use my rubber stamps. Yeah. It's literally a library. I have hundreds, maybe about 700. that i've hand carved and then i collect other stamps too you know i'm seeing some of those pieces that you've carved out and then i saw this when i walked in the door cramp in the house yes this is the house of rad talk about being in this collective over here in Milwaukee knowing that you're part of a community that also is creative and giving back oh yeah yeah this is a family here i've been with the house since 2022 and i've gotten nothing but support When we have challenges within our own struggles of what are we making, how do we sell this, I can rely on my brothers and sisters right here in the house. And anything for the House of Rad, anything for Feed Your Soul, this is one of the best parties in Milwaukee tonight. It seems like House of Rad and Feed Your Soul actually has been relying on House of Rad. for you know the the artists for the space and all of it so tonight you know there are still tickets available which you can get at the door but i highly recommend Talking to the artists, watching the artists, you know, and being a part of it with you, Celeste, stamping with the artists as well. Where can we find your stuff before we send it back? Where can we find it if they can't make it today? If you can't make it tonight, come to the House of Rad. Join us on a Friday, on a Tuesday night in the press downstairs. Come and do a studio tour. And then celestecontreras.com. There you go. Yeah, it was great meeting you. You have a very positive vibe about yourself, and I love the pieces. You can find them tonight, as well as pieces from 80-plus artists, as well as 35 live painting and artists will be here at House of Rad for Feed Your Soul in Milwaukee. All right, it all looks so incredible, and again, an amazing fundraiser happening later on tonight. Thanks, Cramp. You spent the morning at House of Rad, and you're sharing how we can be part of the fun while supporting community advocates. Oh, what a great cause. What a great community. You know, this event's been going on for 22 years. It started as a grassroots organization to make sure that the artists could give back to the community that they loved so much. And really, it's just blossomed over the course of two decades where last year alone, $120,000 was raised for community advocates. And as you can see, too, just the vibe that is created here. It is a fun time for all. go to this event. Oh, absolutely. You're kind of already talking about the impact they've seen over the last couple of years, but what stood out to you the most about how art and community support really come together at this event, Brian? Yeah, how they rally together, you know, artists are very passionate individuals. They care about their core group, but also that group extends well past the walls at House of Rad. And it's just it shows that that as tight-knit as a community can be, it can be larger than it is, too. So I like the way that they've evolved over the two decades and they're growing. There's going to be 80 different artists there tonight represented, but 35 of those will be performing live. And showing people how they create their art live in person. That is so cool. I always love when you get to learn and see it done right in front of you. And you got to see some of the artists and their work this morning. So what was your favorite part of that experience and just how we can truly get involved? Yeah, my favorite part, honestly, was seeing Celeste, who's one of the artists. She works with a lot of rubber stamps. And when it comes to Feed Your Soul, she absolutely had to be a part of it. She had to be at House of Rad. But she was such a joy, such an uplifting spirit that if that one individual is going to be anywhere close to what the other artists will be like, I would say park it. Find your artists that you really like, watch them. And also, Celeste is going to be able to allow guests to participate in the art as well. So it's not just going to be the drinks. It's not just going to be the art that you can bid on. It's going to be, you know, interactive as well. Absolutely. I'm like mesmerized by these clips that we're showing right now because this really does look like the absolute most fun evening that you can spend. And to your point, it's happening again tonight. It's once again hosted by and located at House of Rad. So what is House of Rad? What do we got to know here, Brian? House of Rad is House of Resident Artist Doers. Rad stands for Resident Artist Doers. And it's a collective, if you will, in one location, about 65,000 square feet. Brandon Minga, who started House of Rad, had a vision. And specifically in this location of that 65,000 feet, they moved into it last year. This is the fourth location he's been in. Over the course of the past 10 years, they've been affiliated with Feed Your Soul. It's exactly that. It's people that are like-minded individuals that are coming together, being creative in a space where they hold everything from events to workshops and they invite the public in. But this is their biggest priority of the year, I would say, and it all benefits community advocates here in Milwaukee. Absolutely. Again, it looks like it's going to be a great time tonight, 7 p.m. Feed Your Soul. Thanks so much, Cramp.