Letter to Editor: 'Blood Brothers' Will Inspire You

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch:

My name is Shelby Grates, and I'm currently a student at Macomb Community College. I'm actually from San Diego, and moved here for a semester in August.

Just days before I came out here, I attended Invisible Children's Fourth Estate Summit in Los Angeles. It was an incredible experience, and at the conference, the amazing film Blood Brother was shown to us. 

The film is a Sundance Film Festival award winning intimate portrait of Rocky Braat, an American graphic designer who stumbled upon an HIV orphanage in India and left all that he had to create a family with the kids. Though Rocky never set out to be a humanitarian, his dedication proves genuine in this heart wrenching film from Rocky's best friend, director Steve Hoover.

I was floored by the documentary, and wanted to share it with everyone I possibly could, but my bags were packed for Detroit, and a few days later, I was off. I left the conference feeling like I had to do something, and I couldn't wait until the semester was over and I returned home, so I decided I would attempt to host a screening of the film while I was in Detroit. The film partners with a company called Tugg, which links people across the country with theaters they wish to bring their film to. The catch is, a certain amount of tickets have to be sold or the event will be cancelled, and attendees will not be charged. 

The film makers are donating all of their proceeds to the kids featured in the film and other HIV/AIDS initiatives. 

I have sold 24, but I have to sell 47 more by November 7th, or the event will be cancelled, and the kids won't get any of the proceeds. 

I have no connection to the film, and do not benefit personally from the film. I'm simply a girl from California who passionate about sharing this with Detroit, as the film make you laugh, cry, and walk away with a perspective that will inspire you to be better. 

I clearly need all the help promoting as possible, though. I've sent out mass e-mails, and invited as many people as I know here (which is basically just my family) on facebook, and have posted posters across Royal Oak. I know this is a film everyone will enjoy, I just need to get them to the theater first!

The event is at the Royal Oak Landmark Main Art Theater on November 14th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $11. All proceeds go to the kids seen in the film and other HIV/AIDS initiatives. 71 tickets must be sold by November 7th or the event will not take place. 

I am trying to work with the theater to see if I can have my cousin's band play a few songs before the event. 

I would love for this event to take place, and it would be such a great and rewarding experience for me  while I'm here. Oh, and I'll make pumpkin spice cookies for everyone if this thing gets confirmed!

Here is the event page where tickets can be purchased: http://www.tugg.com/events/5767

Shleby Grates

Send letters to the editor to judydavids@patch.com.