The Angels of East Africa Gala featuring Sam Childers - Michael Shannon Interview
On Friday, November 4, 2016, my marketing and production firm Starbaby Enterprises, had the unbelievable opportunity to present the first annual "Angels of East Africa" Gala at City Winery in New York City.
The gala was be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at City Winery, 155 Varick St. My Starbaby Enterprises' team had the pleasure of producing the event with Pennsylvania artist Nicole Troup.
The purpose of the event was to create awareness and raise funds for the "Angels of East Africa," - a Children’s Village located in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda for children orphaned by the rebel attacks in the areas.
""If they just take a little bit of that story in --Just look deep into my story, if God can change me and use me... Imagine what he can do for you."Sam Childers - machinegunpreacher.org
This amazing organization was created by Sam Childers, also known as "The Machine Gun Preacher," a drug-dealing biker who found God and transitioned his life's focus to rescuing kids in the some of the most dangerous areas in Africa. In 2011, The "Machine Gun Preacher" film was made about Sam's life starring Gerard Butler, Michael Shannon, and Michelle Monaghan.
The gala featured appearances by Sam Childers, actor Michael Shannon of “Machine Gun Preacher” and “Man of Steel” fame, and musician Yan Hender. One of the biggest surprises was the performance of Michael Shannon's band Corporal.
Being a huge fan of Michael Shannon's work and I jumped at the chance to also interview him during the gala.
Michael Shannon Interview at The Angels of East Africa Gala
Big Thank you to Michael Shannon for all his support with The Angels of East Africa Gala and for doing this interview with us!
Here are some other great clips from the night:
Vector Media Bus Surprise!
Michael Shannon and Sam Childers
Michael Shannon performing with Corporal
I was truly honored to be chosen to work on this event and accomplished my goal of getting Michael and Sam on the cover of Resident Magazine's November 2016 issue. The photoshoot was a wonderful chance to amplify Sam's mission to New York City locals and beyond.
Whilst at the photoshoot I took the opportunity to interview Sam and hear his story directly.
Who is "The Machine Gun Preacher" Sam Childers?
In the late 90s, Sam Childers uprooted his life to venture to East Africa and help repair homes destroyed by civil war. A reformed drug-dealing biker, finding God gave him purpose and he was determined to save as many lives as possible.
Sam, transformed by the horrors he witnesses, ignored any warnings from the seasoned aide workers, and went enemy territory to rescue these kidnapped children.
He continues to go into the heart of East African territories controlled by brutal renegade militias to save children and help local orphanages.
If you would like to join our fundraising efforts, donations can be made through his website.