A Family Reunion is a time to reminisce, see old faces, tell good stories, and take a lot of photos. A TOMS + Trovata Family Reunion is a mix of those things, plus a killer DJ, awesome fashion, and really funky photo booths. When Trovata was approached to host a Fashion Night Out event on the west coast, John Whiteledge knew TOMS would be the perfect teammate. Together, our two brands pulled off a fun and festive Family Reunion-themed event that was just as square and quirky as he had envisioned. The crowd, a gathering of vendors, friends, family, TOMS and Trovata fans, and neighbors, was amped on the theme and came out in some really clever costumes. The music, provided by the only and only DJ Peytonious, added the perfect beat to get us movin’ and shakin’. The incredible drink sponsors, Nika Water, Function Drinks, Asahi Beer, and Veev, kept us hydrated and… sociable. The three photo booths were hilarious and perfect, thanks to our set designers Diana Sillero and Arianna from PureKitchen. Amazing local photographers (thank you Colin Young-Wolf, Nina Brav, Cale Glendening, and Morgan Jenkins!!) volunteered their time and produced the great shots you can see on the TOMS Facebook Page.

We promised a $1,000 TOMS and Trovata to the family with the best family portrait. You could tell by the giggles and belly laughs from the team reviewing the photos Friday morning that the competition was stiff, but eventually we got ourselves under control and chose a winner.

WINNER: Congratulations to the Cat Lady and her family of cats!

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With that being said, the deadline has come and passed and two winners have been chosen. In 1 month and 7 days, these two winning individuals will meet their fellow volunteers from Element, TOMS, Fuel TV, and other participants from around the US. They touch down in Durban South Africa and exchange their feelings of anticipation excitement. They will walk outside the airport doors, board a van to the outskirts, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

To the winners: Your entries blew us away. TOMS and Element are proud to have you on board, and we can’t wait to meet you…

CONGRATULATIONS Nate Eckhert and Marco Barbosa! Their entries after the jump…

Marco Barbosa:

Because it‚s not a complicated task to live our lives collecting victories and keeping them to ourselves.  There is also no challenge required to close your eyes to reality and live a fulfilled life that concerns only your needs.

Each life was created with a unique experience to be shared among others.  The voice of people in need has echoed through too many generations.  I believe it is my obligation to understand the effects of poverty in the world we live in and to help to plant the seeds for change.  If I can not make a difference in somebody else‚s life what is the purpose of my own?  What will my accomplishments be if they  are restricted only to myself and to those I know?

When I saw the ad about Toms Shoes during the Blackberry commercial,  I had no idea who he was or the core of his business.  My life was touched immediately by his commitment to these children.  Soon after, I found myself collecting information about the shoe drop.  For some reason I was scared thinking about being involved in such an important mission.  I knew I had to move forward with my plans, but I remained aprehensive.  I showed my wife and asked her opinion about it.  She was as excited about the Tom/Element connection as I was.  She then commented on how this project, as well as its participants were a perfect match for me.‰Wow, this is exactly who you are. This speaks to all of your talents!,‰ she said.

I want to make a difference, man.  I want to tell my kids (4 years and 3 months old) where Dad was, with whom dad was and why Dad was there. I want my children to have the same passion growing inside their hearts.  It is my wish, and God knows me well enough to undertand my reasons regarding this issue.

I came from Brazil in 1999 and I have seen what poverty can do to a child.  I know how a life can be affected or in most of the scenarios – taken away.  In 2006 I started a business with one single goal, to be a blessing.  To inspire people through what a man full of dreams and faith can do.  For me, it‚s about how many lives can be touched and how that faith can be passed on.  I want to be the one to invite people to go with me during the process.  Going to South Africa would give me one more reason to believe that it is possible and that this seed growing within me is about to create new roots.  I need to see those little eyes and learn with them.  I need to place the shoes on their feet.  I need to see them running with them.  I want to see them flying to the other side of the ramp or picking themselves up after a stunt crash.

Among all of the causes that I have searched through, this one is by far the closest to the path that my soul was designed to pursue.  I have no doubts that I want to be part of this tremendous opportunity.  It‚s got to be now.  It can‚t wait until tomorrow.  At this point I just can‚t look back.  My life was made to live in abundance not just for my victories but more importantly, in the victories of others (especially if their running in shoes).

Nate Eckhart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0sTu0cJVHo&feature=related

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To show our appreciation for the passion in these essays and videos, TOMS + Element are supporting mini-giveaways throughout the contest lifetime. Hilary, from Nashville, TN, captured us right from the first few sentences,

“When I think about responding to the question of why I would want to
be a part of a shoe drop I am challenged to express an answer that
illustrates my desire beyond the excitement of travel, interacting with
others, and the reward of experiencing the gift of helping someone. It is
undeniable that these motivations have been the starting place for many
adventures in my life. The desire to see the world from another perspective
and to strive to give what you are able is luckily not unique to me but I
believe a basic part of the human condition.”

For writing an essay that expresses ideals that are beautifully in-line with TOMS + Element, we’ll be sending Hilary an awesome prize pack of TOMS + Element gear. Congrats, Hilary!

Submit your essay or video before July 26th and be automatically entered to win a customized pair of TOMS by Element artist Mike Kershnar. Winner for this prize pack will be announced July 27th (but keep in mind you still have until August 15th to enter the greater contest to win a spot on the Shoe + Board Drop!).

Visit http://www.elementskateboards.com/oneforone/sweeps to read more details and enter the TOMS + Element Shoe + Board Drop contest!

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