This past Saturday Sydney and I had the opportunity to photograph a Block Party hosted by Club 180 & Xavier Baez International Ministries on Boone Street in Columbia. 

"Club 180 is an outreach arm of Xavier Baez Ministries. It's a 501c3 non-profit organization, which will provide a safe environment to help at risk youth from 5-18 years of age to develop their sense of self-worth, make positive choices and help further the quality of education they receive. It will also promote healthy eating habits by providing them a healthy meal and fun activities throughout the month based on biblical principles." -Xavier Baez (newsletter)

There were several organizations and volunteers involved for the block party. It was great to see the community come together for the overall cause and support each other. 

Pictured here is Teen Challenge / Super Thrift and Columbia World Outreach

The kids loved the Balloon characters by Balloonopolis! Jenna, the balloon lady had a continuous line of kids for two hours! 

It was great to see the Richland County Sherriff's Department  out supporting the block party. The kids loved the Giant Officer they brought out! 

These guys were awesome! Christian Rap Artist, all with their separate ministries, but they often work together. Sinclair Salters, 4runna, Tilplaceleft, JayWill & Davyne Dantzler. You can also find them on Urban City Radio & Freethinkers Radio. 

Home Depot of Lexington & Irmo also came together for the event and sent a great crew out to do wood crafts with the kids. It was awesome to see all the kids working together and helping each other with the projects. 

This sweet man volunteered his time and equipment and started cooking early Saturday am to provide good food for the event. 

We met several families and kids that will be able to participate in the program Club 180 will provide in the community. This is one beautiful lady and her 3 girls that live in the area.  She will be using the after school program for her girls. 

Pictured here is Pastor Xavier Baez and the kids in the community that will be impacted by this program. We are very excited about what the Baez Ministry is doing. If you would like to donate to help this organization go to the website www.xavierbaez.org 

Also, if you participated and photos from the event are free to download for your use at this link. CWilbanks Photography