Mt. Airy man’s ‘Spread the Love’ campaign to be honored by City Council today

It’s been less than six months, but the Ms. Tootsie’s Bar and Lounge’s year-long “Spread the Love” campaign will now become a foundation and an annual city-wide initiative.

Like the campaign, the “Joyce ‘Ms. Toostie’ Spread the Love Foundation” and the ” Love Day in Love Park” will be in remembrance of the late Ms. Parker who was known for her giving spirit. She passed away last July.

Mt. Airy resident Keven Parker said the foundation will serve as a “people ministry” where people in transition can go and discuss their needs offering men, women and children a helping hand during their difficult time.

“I know that we can’t financially assist everyone, but I think that there are so many resources and places out there,” said Parker. “If we can connect people with what they need the most, I think that is going to be the most amazing thing about the foundation.”

The idea for the annual “Love Day in Love Park” arose after 3rd District City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and other elected officials showed interest in what the restaurateur was doing. Councilwoman Blackwell declared June 25th the annual day where attendees will be able to get free medical screening and dental exams along with useful information and giveaways.

“I never thought this would happen so quickly because I had a three year plan to get everything underway and it seems like it’s all happening within a year,” said Parker.

The resolution will be read in Thursday’s city council meeting.

In the future, Parker hopes other cities will adopt similar campaigns in effort to reignite the love that people can have for one another.