Joy Is Part of the Work, Too

Is it okay to pause and celebrate for a moment?

These days, it's easy to stay focused on the hard stuff.

The numbers. The need. The growing waiting lists and shrinking supports.

But sometimes—especially when the work feels heavy—we need to choose joy on purpose. To gather. To laugh. To remember that this mission we’re all a part of is rooted in hope.And hope needs space to breathe.

So today, I will not be talking about hunger reaching a decade-long high.

I will not be talking about the article last week about the rising cost of lunch staples for families.

And I will definitely not be talking about the fact that this month, more people joined The Store's waiting list than ever before- and we still have 10 days left in the month.

Nope I’m not going to do it.

Instead, I want to celebrate something joyful.

Because at The Store, we believe joy is part of the work too.

Last year, our incredible Brittney Brown dreamed up a way for the community to come together—not around scarcity, but around celebration.

Not with more urgency, but with more laughter.

And just like that, Nashville’s Got Talent was born.

Year one? A massive success.

And now, it’s hard to believe we’re already back for round two.

On September 4, we’ll host the second annual Nashville’s Got Talent—a night full of food, fun, and generosity, all benefiting The Store.

The talent this year is unreal: A cirque-style performer. A pianist. A show-stopping comedian. An 80’s retro band. A special set from Soul Incision. And an appearance by none other than Shawn Parr, “The Voice of Country Music”.

There will be food. There will be drinks. There will be joy—and yes, a whole lot of generosity.

Because this night, while fun and celebratory, also moves us closer to our mission: Clearing that waiting list. Making sure more families get the dignity of choice and the nourishment they deserve. Spreading hope—in every direction we can.

So if you’re free, grab a ticket and join us.

And if you’re a fellow nonprofit leader or community builder reading this, feeling weighed down by benefit cuts or ballooning needs—consider this your permission slip: It’s okay to celebrate. It’s okay to hope. It’s okay to be in community for the sake of joy. Because this work isn’t just about the weight. It’s about what lifts us up, too.