#Standing Rock/Volunteer Trip

I am Benny Lee Harris Lumpkins Jr, a Detroit native, oldest of 2, part-time LA resident who has achieved the dream of working in Hollywood. I am a starving artist. I have always been a person that chases and achieves my dreams.

But, one day a question dawned on me, is this what i want to do for the rest of my life? Does my life have any meaning? Finally, how do I change the world?

I decided  that life was much bigger than this "make-believe" world that I live in. I thought, "there must be bigger things in this world that could use my attention."
I was right, especially in light of today's political environment, I thought, "I must do something."

So, I decided to take a break from my life in hollywood and go on a tour across America spending my time volunteering from coast to coast.

I am looking to raise $5000 to help support me on this important road trip, how your donations will help:

Starting December 1st  I will be joining over 1,000 US Veterans as we march on Standing Rock to stop the DAPL (pipeline) 
Check the event page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1136540643060285/?active_tab=discussion

Or donate directly to the fund here:https://www.gofundme.com/veterans-for-standing-rock-nodapl

Personally I will use the money to get supplies that have been requested by the events planner:
bullet proof vest
helmet
old military uniform
gas mask
Cold weather gear (sub-zero sleeping bag, hand & feet warmers, hat, gloves, long underwear, blanket, scarves)
personal heaters
food
clean water

We will have to pay for fuel and lodging on the ride up and be reimbursed from the general fund that supports the event.


I also would like to purchase extra for those attending who may not have this equipment.

The scheduled event is December 4th-7th, but convoys from all over the country begin heading up to North Dakota on December 1st. 

Following this major event, my trip continues on to:
Detroit, my hometown, (http://mittensfordetroit.org)
Travel from Las Vegas to Detroit
Lodging
Food
Mittens

Chicago (Will provide coats for the homeless) is important to me because of my family roots and my dad once lived on the cold streets during the winter.
Travel from Detroit to Chicago
Lodging
Food
Will purchase coats from local thrift stores.

Nashville (Global Education Center), Nashvilles most diverse multi-cultural arts center.
http://www.globaleducationcenter.org/give.html
Travel from Chicago to Nashville
Lodging
Food
Games for children
Art supplies
Want to donate dance wear to underprivileged children

New Orleans (ReNew Cultural Arts Academy)
Travel from Nashville to New Orleans
Lodging
Food
Attend a concert of the New Orleans Symphony Chorus with students

Then I will head to the pacific northwest where I will document Jewish life and history, volunteering at Jewish Community Centers in Montana, Idaho, Oregon & Washington.

I will be very thankful for your support. I will take the time to vlog, blog, Facebook Live, snapchat and tweet to keep you updated on my journey, every step of the way, especially at Standing Rock. 

To all who support, I will send you a photograph of a major landmark from one of the cities I visit on my journey. 

This means so much to me that you have taken the time to read and be a part of this soul searching, change the world, journey.

Sincerely,
Benny Lumpkins Jr.


Follow my journey:
@blumpkinsjr - twitter
@bennythewardrobeguy - instagram
https://www.facebook.com/blumpkinsjr