Support EdPruitt's 17th OG Poppers Picnic Poppin in the Park

Hello Everybody. I hope you are well.

My name is Eddie (Midnight Dancer). I live in Los Angeles, CA.

I started being involved in the artform of robotic movement in 1976, then started into poplock/popping artforms in 1978.

Every year in July (my birthday month) since 2008, I try very, very hard to bring all "Robots, Poppers/Poplockers, Boogaloos, Boppers, Wavers, Lockers" and all other street dance artists/communities from the past, the current, and of the future (ALL AGES), from all over the state, country, and even overseas, gathered together with their families, close friends, and supporters, for just one day, to "Reunite-Meet & Greet", share and compare dance styles, their histories, take pictures, create collaborations, and just dance, share snacks, share smiles, laughs, and just have a safe, fun, GOOD time "Popping in the Park" - with NO ALCOHOL, NO DRUGS, NO DRAMA allowed or tolerated.

ALL are welcomed.

I organize/host these "gatherings" either the closest Saturday to my actual birthday or on the actual day if it falls on a Saturday.

This will be the 17th "gathering".

Unfortunately, as with all events, birthday celebrations, and gatherings, there ARE costs and expenses to meet.

I still don't have ANY financial sponsors. I've always had to pay out of my pocket (with added "greatly appreciated" donations and help/support from very close friends and the dance community). It's tough, very tough, a real struggle, but to me personally, VERY worth it when you see everything. Plus, GOD has my back.

I LOVE watching everybody have fun, smiling, reminiscing, laughing, mingling, moving, taking pictures, taking live vids for their social medias, meeting/introducing themselves to each other, the kids running around playing with EACH OTHER.

3 marriage proposals took place, dance groups reunited after 10-20 year hiatus, 7 couples got into relationships or started after meeting at a PP, kids from different colors LEARN how to play/communicate with other kids, "At-risk" youth SEE positive alternatives to gang involvement and therefore CHANGE for the better and wanted to learn the dance styles they've watched. A lot of positive things happen at the PPs that's not talked about. Also, I helped/organized "gatherings" to start in other cities that were requested/inspired from my works/gatherings here in LA (Carlsbad NM, Memphis, Atlanta, Phoenix, and upcoming San Diego), and other gatherings were then inspired from my works to be created in other cities (Oakland, Chicago, Taiwan, Costa Rica], the UK ...).

Some famous names have passed through or attended (You NEVER know WHO will stop by).

I was given a $1000 grant from LA councilman David Ryu to organize the 2018 10-year PP Anniversary (He personally stopped by and was very pleased/happy with what he witnessed).

So now, I'm creating this GoFundMe for OGPP#17, and as embarrassed as I am to ask, I am asking for any help you can provide, it would be very much appreciated - $5, $10, $20, $50....

Costs and fees include - Park Permit, Sound Permit, Insurance, Snacks, Waters & Links, prizes for various contests.

Again, it's hard (as past GoFundMes) for me to create this, but I was advised to do so, in case people that want to help you will.

I know things are REAL tough for a lot of us during these times, I definitely get it.

Any questions, please ask.

If you're curious about the OG POPPERS PICNIC POPPING IN THE PARK, you can go on YouTube, or the OG POPPERS PICNIC Facebook or IG page to SEE the various pictures, videos, and moments.

Thanks again for your time, and with GOD WILLING, I will see you in July - also for my 60th.

Have a blessed one.