When members of the Nourish Up team attended a Blumenthal Arts Community Leaders event at the Knight Theater this spring, they had no idea what community collaboration would come of it.  

Fast forward to August at our Hunger Hub.  

Blumenthal Arts hosted a Community Cue, a program of Blumenthal’s Education Department, for Disney’s The Lion King in in the Atrium Health Collaboration and Conference Center. Actors from The Lion King cast and Blumenthal Arts Community Impact Manager, Arlethia Hailstock, enlightened more than 50 guests about The Lion King, its powerful and timeless story, and the inner workings of costuming, preparation, work/life balance, and more. In addition, our new friend Shef Shaun performed a cooking demonstration in our Nourish Up Teaching Kitchen, an inaugural – and delicious – event. 

So what do food insecurity, musical theater, and chicken alfredo have in common? 

It’s a valid question, but the unlikely shared themes were innumerable.  

Gerald Ramsey, who plays Mufasa, was raised in American Samoa. He spoke of his internal conflict with his lead role in this deeply African-themed story. Aligned with the essence of The Lion King, he was able to reconcile his struggle – we are all one. Embrace your true identity. Just as the spirit of Mufasa whispered to Simba, “Look inside yourself.” 

Darian Sanders, who plays Simba, and Martina Sykes, Shenzi, (Side note: Martina also asked how she could volunteer with Nourish Up. Talk about The Circle of Life!) shared additional insights and the varied paths that brought them to the stage, to the Pridelands…  

…and to lunch at Nourish Up. 

As Shef Shaun demonstrated Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli for our guests in our Hunger Hub Teaching Kitchen, a savory delight in and of itself, he too peppered in his own story. Conversation with a stranger led to a job as a line cook, eventually launching a career as a chef. His love of the kitchen began as a child, learning from his grandmothers. More tales of heritage. 

A basic ingredient prevailed: we are all human. At Nourish Up, our mission is to feed anyone who needs it, with food and compassion. Without judgment. Without question. Everyone deserves grace, dignity, and a chance. 

The unexpected paths that led to an inspirational Community Cue stretch farther and wider than we ever imagined and led us to our common ground. Nourish Up is grateful to Arlethia and Blumenthal Arts, to the talented and inspiring artists, to Shef Shaun, and to a tribe full of new friends, volunteers, donors, neighbors. This event revealed the power of community in action. 

Do not miss this show: 

North American Tour of The Lion King 

Blumenthal Arts Belk Theater