MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — A South Florida law firm took a group of students to dinner in hopes of showing them that there is more in their neighborhoods than violence.
"We want you to know that in spite of your circumstances, in spite of the negativeness that you see in your neighborhood, that there is a better day, that you represent the best of us," said one man at the event.
This was the message of the dinner sponsored by the Handfield Law Firm. Sixty kids were taken to Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. "It’s a setting that we’re showing them a different side of life today, that you can be successful and you can be more than going to a funeral service," said event sponsor Terry Wright.
The group of students were escorted to the event by a police motorcade, and when they arrived, they were given the red carpet treatment. The event also served as a reminder that their lives are important. "Let them see that the same place that they’re coming from, I was there. And to give them hope that no matter what’s going on in our communities, what they hear about in the school systems, those are just small, minute portions of what’s going on in our community," said Miami Gardens Police Chief Antonio Brooklen.
Different leaders spoke at the dinner to give the students positive role models. The kids also got a tour of the kitchen and were even able to help prepare some food. "I think this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because a lot of kids my age won’t be able to wake up and see this experience I am having today," said Adeja Wells. "When I found out I was chosen to represent my school, I felt excited, and I dropped a couple tears."
The law firm hopes the experience is one the students won’t forget anytime soon. "You guys are it. You’re the bomb. You don’t realize it. It’s coming. You are the future, and please, stay true to it," said Brian Johnson, the general manager of Joe’s Stone Crab.