Divine's Drag Cabaret is a fundraiser for Asheville Poverty Initiative

30 days, mark your calendar! Thursday May 18th at 7pm, an outrageous drag show at Highland Brewing Company like Asheville has never seen! Divine's Drag Cabaret is a fundraiser for Asheville Poverty Initiative. Featuring world-class performances by drag royalty: Alexis, Diamond, Divine, and Natasha. Ages 21 and up. Tickets at www.highlandbrewing.com

Asheville Poverty Initiative has a mission is to build community and promote economic justice by dismantling stereotypes, reducing fear, and empowering hope through telling stories across socio-economic difference. They envision a beloved community that celebrates mutuality, abundance, and justice.

Divine’s Drag Cabaret is one of the most unique party experiences in Asheville. In fact, it’s the area’s only true “La Cage” drag show experience often featuring live singing and flashy Vegas-style costumes.

“We create a party from the moment you walk in the door with our unique brand of world-class drag entertainment that transports every guest to a fabulous world full of glitz, glamour, and great fun,” says show host Divine.

You’ll laugh and sing along with stellar drag performances to classic and modern music hits. Flirty performers will ensure you’ll have a blast. It’s a barrel of fun!
Divine’s Drag Cabaret productions are perfect for bachelor/ette parties, birthday parties, a fun night out, or just to see an amazing drag show in town!

Can't make it but still want to help us? DONATE HERE (https://buytickets.at/beardedladyproductions/839554)! All profits from our events are donated to over 15 local non-profits including Beloved Asheville, Blue Ridge Pride, Healing Solutions Counseling, Loving Food Resources, Open Hearts Arts, Make a Wish Foundation, OUR Voice, Youth OUTright, and more.

Mountain Xpress Best of Asheville

Hey Asheville community! We need your help to get 12 Baskets Café on the Mountain Xpress "Best of Asheville" guide for 2023!

The ballot is live now and open through April 30th. We would greatly appreciate your support by voting for us in the following categories:

  • Uniquely Asheville:

    • Nonprofit that Serves the Underprivileged

    • Nonprofit that Improves Asheville

  • Eats:

    • Nonprofit Helping with Hunger Issues

  • Farm, Yard, & Garden:

    • Community Garden

Your vote can make a big difference in helping us continue our mission of serving the underprivileged and addressing hunger issues in our community. Simply click on the link below to cast your vote:

https://mountainx.com/bestofwnc/

Thank you for your support! #BestofAsheville #Vote12BasketsCafe #CommunityNonprofit #UniquelyAsheville

Beer City Sisters Visit 12 Baskets Café

Shout out to the @beercitysisters for not only coming to help serve today at the Café but also the very generous donation. Y'all are welcome back anytime! Please give them a follow, to see what they are all about! The sisters are doing amazing things all around Asheville.🌈

If this inspires you or your organization and you want to get involved we would love to have you! Email us at contact@ashevillepovertyinitiative.org or check out our website for more ways to get involved.

Chocolate Abundance

Major THANK YOU to Chris with @foamy_homies & @grassrootsaidpartnership for the incredible bounty of @drbronner chocolate bars and soap! 🙌🍫 As you can see our community was very excited. We can't do what we do without people like you!

#supporteachother #togetherwerise #loveeachother #helpeachother #community #12basketscafe #westavl #ashevillepovertyinitiative #getfilled #DrBronners

Meet our Community Monday

Asheville Poverty Initiative has always thrived through the power of community. Each and every person who participates makes our programming beautiful.

Kitchen Mama Donna, our Notorious KMD, can take the heat not only in the kitchen but with high degrees in lab science and nutrition, as well extensive studies in the culinary arts. Donna has lived in Bucks county Pennsylvania and Philadelphia but she chose to settle in Asheville because she loves the mountains and the people.

Whole Foods Beef, Bean and Veggie Chili

Introducing a new segment, "The 12 Baskets Cook Book" where we spotlight a recipe from one of our amazing food partners.

Since it has been so cold here in Asheville, we are featuring a chili recipe from @wholefoods . You can find this and other yummy recipes at https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes.

Serves 6 -- Time 40 min

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef

1 large yellow onion diced

3 cloves garlic finely chopped

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 cups beef broth

2 cups diced fresh or frozen bell peppers

1 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

2 cans no-salt added beans

1/4 cup tomato paste

2 green onions sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves


Method

  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.

  • Add beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 5 minutes.

  • Add onion and garlic and cook until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

  • Stir in chili powder and cumin.

  • Add broth, bell peppers, corn, beans and tomato paste.

  • Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors blend, 20 to 25 minutes.

  • Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.

In Memoriam:

The Asheville Poverty Initiative family extends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Queen Mother, Ms. Maggie Belle Gladden, who passed away on Friday, November 19th. Queen Mother was instrumental in getting our 12 Baskets Café program started with our founder, Rev. Dr. Shannon Spencer. A vital part in not only our community, but the greater Asheville community as well, Queen Mother was an inspiration and light to everyone she met. Our community will miss her smile, laughter and presence. Rest well dear one!


Click this link to watch a video recording of Queen Mother's service on November 29, 2021: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iORMyM47bDg

Update from the Board: The Search for a Co-Director - Michael Poulos, API Board Chair

Over the last several months I have also come to realize that the API/12 Baskets community has never been about one person. If Shannon taught us anything, it is the power of community and the abundance we all share. I have witnessed how our community (volunteers, companions, and staff) continues to show up for one another as we carry on our mission of radical hospitality and transformative education.

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