![\"Crowds](\"http:\/\/challengedetroit.org\/jessicawang\/files\/2014\/12\/craft.jpg\")
<\/a>Crowds for crafts!<\/p><\/div>\n
10) Detroit Urban Craft Fair<\/strong>\u00a0– Of the 5 holiday markets around Detroit I visited in December, the Urban Craft Fair<\/a> at the Masonic Temple was definitely my favorite.\u00a0Not only did I enjoy meeting local artisans and admiring their handmade goods, I ended up purchasing\u00a095% (all except one!) of my Christmas gifts from talented Detroiters – candles, jewelry, soap, chocolates, and more! For me, it was totally worth the few extra dollars to be able to shop local and support\u00a0small (tiny) Detroit businesses.<\/span><\/p>\n 9)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist play Afrika Bambaataa\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>TBcompletelyH, I had no idea who these three artists were before I bought a\u00a0ticket to this show (at the door). Luckily, I took my friends’ recommendation (thanks Alissa and Sarms!) to heart and spontaneously went to this show at the Majestic Theatre – a stimulating\u00a0evolution-of-hip-hop musical experience\u00a0that kept my toes tapping\u00a0for days afterwards. Spontaneity and saying “yes” oft result in the best memories!<\/p>\n Debbie on Dequindre<\/p><\/div>\n 8) Meeting Debbie on the Dequindre Cut\u00a0<\/strong>– As many of you probably know, I love\u00a0talking to strangers<\/a>. One chilly day in November, I went biking down the Dequindre Cut (an urban greenway lined with murals and graffiti) and was disappointed to find that I was completely alone along its 1-mile stretch. My disappointment soon dissipated after I met Debbie, a native Detroiter who lives near the Cut and was out for a Sunday stroll. We walked and talked for nearly an hour and she warmly welcomed me to her city.<\/p>\n Mangos at the Challenge Detroit Kickoff After Party<\/p><\/div>\n 7) Challenge Detroit Year 3 Kickoff\u00a0<\/strong>– <\/span><\/strong>To\u00a0kick off\u00a0Challenge Detroit’s third year, we Fellows enjoyed a celebration and reception in the famed Compuware building downtown.\u00a0<\/span>I was asked to speak on behalf of my class of Fellows, and I took the opportunity to express my immense gratitude to be in Detroit and to be part of the program. Standing there addressing the audience was almost surreal – I felt overwhelmed with happiness that my Detroit dream (visa and all) actually worked out!<\/p>\n 2 artists, 1 monster drawing<\/p><\/div>\n 6)\u00a0<\/span>MOCAD Monster Drawing Rally\u00a0<\/strong>– <\/span><\/strong>Detroit has no shortage of unique cultural events, and the\u00a0<\/span>Monster Drawing Rally<\/a>\u00a0at MOCAD was no exception.\u00a0The event brought in local artists by the dozen, gave\u00a0each a 1-hour shift in which they could produce as many monster drawings as they wanted,\u00a0and\u00a0then immediately sold said drawings to the public for a flat rate of $40. Not only was it awe-inspiring\u00a0to\u00a0see\u00a0the artists create one-of-a-kind pieces right before my eyes, but as an event volunteer, I even got to take a drawing (hello, perfect souvenir!) home at the end of the night!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 5) Watching an inspiring 73-year old man complete the Detroit International Marathon, his 44th and last one –\u00a0<\/strong>Volunteering sure has its perks. Read the full story\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0in my friend Ellen’s blog.<\/p>\n Signed, sealed, delivered!<\/p><\/div>\n 4)\u00a0<\/span>Motown the Musical<\/strong>\u00a0– Back in October, I took my parents\u00a0(in town for a visit) to see Motown the Musical at the Fisher Theatre. From watching\u00a0Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder begin their musical careers to learning the backstory behind the Motown\u00a0recording studio, I got goosebumps watching the story unfold knowing that it all took place, not too long ago, right here in Detroit (Hitsville U.S.A.<\/a>\u00a0is located just blocks from my house!). What’s more, Motown was\u00a0the<\/i> most engaging, interactive musical I’d ever been to – the entire audience sang and clapped along through it all!<\/p>\n 3) Mango Holiday Food Drive –\u00a0<\/strong>I was delighted\u00a0to find out a few days ago that the food drive I organized at my host company Mango (we have ~60 employees) collected 507 pounds of food and raised over $400! Our efforts will help provide 1,622 meals to our neighbors in need. All it took to organize was some boxes, signs and\u00a0a tiny bit of guilt tripping\u00a0– a great reminder that a bit of\u00a0effort can go a long way to helping your community!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>