By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
On top of working as a Doctor of Physical Therapy and being in the process of opening his own wellness center in Atlanta, Chad Wick dedicates a good deal of his time to his charity, More To Love, that engages his close-knit group of friends as well as the community. This year, More To Love is presenting an immersive experience to raise money for volunteer work in Thailand.
What is More To Love?
More To Love started during Valentine’s Season three years ago. Our culture has capitalized on only one aspect of love during this time, romantic love. Even though I’m happily involved in a romantic relationship, I have always felt inspired to challenge this cultural mindset. If we are going to celebrate love, why do we not celebrate love in its entirety? Love takes on many shapes and plays many roles, yet we limit ourselves by focusing on just one avenue in how it is demonstrated. More To Love stems from just that idea; it is an avenue to help celebrate all forms of love, and hopefully, a refreshing reminder to everyone to love more through various avenues and on various platforms. More To Love started with just one big event per year with the goal of creating that exact atmosphere and by making it charity focused; however, it has since grown as we have teamed up with local like-minded charities for various events throughout the year.
On March 9 you will host a big party themed Wish! at the Heretic – tell us about it.
We like to consider our events an “Immersive Experience”; and by that, I mean, our desire is that each attendee is entertained in many facets throughout the night by all the senses. We try to go above and beyond in theme, lights, sets, characters, performers, etc. Hookahs, belly dancers, performers, specialty cocktail, dancers, fortune teller, bazaar market with various vendors, dance music by DJ Chris Gris and much more – all under a Moroccan inspired decorated tent! The event is from 4-10pm so come early and stay late. Ticket entry into this event will get you into the night party inside Heretic for free!
This year, the money you raise will have an international impact – tell us about how you plan to spend the funds allocated?
This year, More To Love is taking a group of volunteers over to Northern Thailand to help do humanitarian work for the Hill Tribes. We are teaming up with The Mirror Foundation which is a local, established team. All money raised will go towards this mission which will include airfare, program fees, etc. Additional funds raised will go towards bedding and malaria nets for the community. Our desire is to take this love that has been kindled here and help set it ablaze not only locally but globally. In my opinion, our community gives back, and we want to demonstrate that internationally. We truly believe that some are able to make this trip while others are able to support the trip but we all together, as a community, take this trip together.
How can people get involved with More To Love?
We are always looking for like-minded volunteers to help without various events throughout the year. No matter what skill sets or interest you have – we can use you! We are also always looking for like-minded organizations and charities to support throughout the year. Contact us via email at moretoloveatl@gmail.com.
Anything you’d like to add?
This event gets bigger and more elaborate every year, and that’s only because of its incredible volunteers and supporters. I feel like I am part of something that is much bigger than myself. There is a team that helps put these events on- their ideas, their contributions, their sacrifices. I feel honored to be a part of it all. I also feel like we are tapping into an energy that is already there within us all, within our community. So, I consider it a privilege that I can have a role as an avenue for this ‘love focused energy’ to flow through.
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Join More To Love at the Heretic for Wish! on March 9 between 4-10 pm. Our admission tickets ($15 pre-sale via universe.com or $20 at the door) also gets you into the Heretic afterparty featuring DJ Roland Belmares.