We reconnected in Brooklyn 25 years after our first date and talked daily for two weeks while he was in LA. Once he returned to NYC, our first date at Brooklyn Chophouse pivoted to a formal event, after he was invited to present an award that night. On date night, I wore a gown and he a tux. We braved snowy Manhattan streets, he opened doors, shared his umbrella, and keeping me warm with hugs. We knew it was really love at that point.

Our trip to Bali was our most memorable experience. Since we started dating, we've explored many new destinations, but Bali held a special kind of magic. We felt like the only two people in the world strolling the streets hand in hand. Our days were filled with indulgent couples massages, finding local treasures, visiting ancient temples, exhilarating rides on those iconic swings, and profound cleansing and purification rituals. Romantic beach dinners and skinny dipping became nightly rituals.

We've wanted to launch a marketing business together for some time, and the $20,000 would give us the essential capital to get it off the ground. My partner is a strong community advocate, running a basketball camp in honor of his late childhood friend, Conrad McRae. He dedicates his summers to keeping Brooklyn's youth safe and engaged, providing them with valuable skills and experiences that foster their development on and off the court. The funding would also allow us to expand our curriculum.