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Nu Skool Sings Old School hosted its annual toy and gift drive party on Sunday, Dec. 10, at at the L.A. Crystal Hotel and Casino in Compton. The theme was “Sneakers Ball.”
With an eye on both charity and entertainment, the nonprofit organization, founded by event producer and artistic director Brandy Sanders, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of old school music by connecting legendary entertainers with young, talented artists of today. As a former “Soul Train” dancer, Sanders is uniquely positioned to carry out this mission and then some.
Through the establishment of Nu Skool Sings Old School, she has forged a community of heart-centered young artists committed to making a difference in the lives of inner-city kids. Combining these aims, to preserve and to serve, Nu Skool Sings Old School has held a toy and gift drive party annually for local children in need since 2011.
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This year, that party included a fashion show. Young models from Los Angeles and beyond, including some traveling from out of state, gathered and took to the runway donning fashions from the 1970s, 1980s, and other eras, often showing off stylish sneakers to complement their ensembles.
“We aim to create fun and exciting themes for this red-carpet event each year,” stated Sanders.
“Nu Skool Sings Old School is committed to creating events that show fun and class in a youthful way.”
Each year, local DJs are invited to put together a set list of clean music that is festive, soulful and positive, and keeps everyone in the mood to dance. Local designers are invited to be a part of the fashion show.
“This year, we were proud and honored the 8-year-old fashion designer Charlie LeRoy was our Featured Designer,” said Sanders.
Over the years, the talented youth of Nu Skool Sings Old School have had opportunities to perform for and alongside community leaders and celebrities including Motown founder and record executive Berry Gordy, Jr. at the organization’s “Salute to Motown” in 2019 as part of their Beautiful Soulz Awards. They have performed for many charity events to raise money for various causes.
“Our toy and gift drive party gives youngsters the unique opportunity to collect toys and gifts on their own,” said Sanders.
“Some of our children make our toy and gift drive party a class project at their schools. [The event] is also a ‘family affair’ for many of the youngsters on our show. We open our auditions to children of the community to come and express their gifts and talents at our holiday shows.”
At last week’s Sneakers Ball, the youth performers were joined by Councilwoman Lillie P. Darden as well as a vivacious cast of Soul Train alumni including international fashion photographer and modeling coach Juliette Hagerman, who also produces the Most Beautiful Girl Pageant in Nigeria (MBGN). All attending were asked to bring toys and gifts for inner-city children.
“Since 2011, Nu Skool Sings Old School has made a conscious effort to make a difference in the lives of inner-city kids, many of which are homeless, during the holiday season,” said Sanders. “It is important that we teach our kids the power of giving.”
The organization is currently looking for a suitable location for their toy and gift giveaway.
“We have asked several organizations to help us by providing a space,” said Sanders. “We were informed that they welcome us to drop off the toys and gifts we collected, but they would not allow our kids to pass [them] out. My kids work really hard to collect toys and gifts, and I am not willing to take the joy of passing out toys and gifts away them. So we are still looking.”
Sanders is optimistic, however, and encouraged by the success of past events. Nu Skool Sings Old School has brightened the holidays for many young children in need, and the youth Sanders has worked with have gone on to appear in such shows as American Idol, The Voice and Abbott Elementary, in addition to numerous commercials and music videos.
“I love children,” she said. “I enjoy watching them grow and come into their own. We never know when a light is going to come on. And I am so proud to be there when it does for many of my kids. We will continue to create unique opportunities for our kids to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. We are looking forward to the Sneakers Ball 2024.”
For more information, to donate, or to offer a location for the organization’s toy and gift giveaway, visit nuskoolsingsoldschool.com.
