Petersburg: Benefit gala proceeds help youth, teens, seniors participate in sport programs

Kristi K. Higgins, The Progress-Index
·3 min read
Cowbell provided to guests at private Pre-Donamatrix Day brunch hosted by Petersburg native Celebrity Fitness Trainer Don 'DB Donamatrix' Brooks.
Cowbell provided to guests at private Pre-Donamatrix Day brunch hosted by Petersburg native Celebrity Fitness Trainer Don 'DB Donamatrix' Brooks.

PETERSBURG — Get ready for a night of influence, honor and glam. Don "DB Donamatrix" Brooks, a celebrity fitness pro, and his daughter Tuesdae will host a charity event in collaboration with the City of Petersburg Recreation, Special Events and Volunteerism Department.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from "The Benefit Gala" will be donated to the Department to pay the registration fees for youth, teens and seniors to participate in sport programs, camps, trips and special events. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of children and seniors will have access to some of the most impactful programs in Petersburg without being concerned about affordability.

To the rhythm of a bouncing basketball, DB Donamatrix shared, “Basketball changed the trajectory of my life, so I know the difference one registration fee can make in determining whether a kid shoots the gun or shoots the ball.”

The Donamatrix Day 2023 Hometown Fit Fest, a free community event, is scheduled to take place in Petersburg on Saturday, April 1, its fifth anniversary.

Wearing grey, DB Donamatrix uses his signature resistance band at Donamatrix Day 2022 in Petersburg, Va. His daughter Tuesdae and infant granddaughter Winter joined him.
Wearing grey, DB Donamatrix uses his signature resistance band at Donamatrix Day 2022 in Petersburg, Va. His daughter Tuesdae and infant granddaughter Winter joined him.

Nanny's: Award-winning restaurantPrince George: Reporter pigs out at award-winning restaurant, provides review, gallery

Donamatrix Day: Free community eventPetersburg fitness festival Donamatrix Day 2022: Progress-Index exclusive, 70 images, video

"Since Donamatrix Day was proclaimed in 2018 by the City’s mayor, Samuel Parham, we have all stayed connected to the news published in the local newspaper, The Progress-Index, and aired by the local news stations. When the unfortunate incident of crime is committed by young people, the common theme repeated by the community in interviews is 'there is nothing for kids to do' and 'if Petersburg had activities for kids, crime would not be as bad,'" DB Donamatrix's press release stated. "We deeply understand that every family may not be able to pay for their children to participate in the incredible programs and services offered by the City of Petersburg Recreation, Special Events and Volunteerism Department."

"Many of us are familiar with the idiom 'put your money where your mouth is' which defined in the Cambridge Dictionary means... to show by your actions and not just your words that you support or believe in something," DB Donamatrix said.

Your support helps keep the lights on at The Progress-Index! We are passionate about telling Petersburg's stories. Stay connected with our articles, enterprise reporting and more by clicking "Subscribe" at the top of the page.

Attendance at "The Benefit Gala" will help to change the path of Petersburg youth and teens and help improve the quality of life for area seniors. DB Donamatrix does not want to touch just one life, he hopes to touch hundreds.

Over the years, DB Donamatrix has offered a complimentary pre-Donamatrix Day breakfast and brunch event. He and his team would like to see people pay it forward by purchasing tickets to "The Benefit Gala."

The premier fundraising event will feature a dinner, a silent auction, an awards ceremony and music. It will be held at the Petersburg Library Conference and Event Center at 201 W. Washington St. in Petersburg on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The "Red Carpet" event will take place at 6:30 p.m.

At the 2022 Pre-Donamatrix Day Mix & Mingle at Petersburg Union Station, Samuel Parham, Mayor of Petersburg, thanks Don "DB Donamatrix" Brooks, on the right, for his contributions to Petersburg and its citizens.
At the 2022 Pre-Donamatrix Day Mix & Mingle at Petersburg Union Station, Samuel Parham, Mayor of Petersburg, thanks Don "DB Donamatrix" Brooks, on the right, for his contributions to Petersburg and its citizens.

Corvette enthusiasts roll into Old TownePetersburg: Corvette crew returns to Croaker's Spot for some good eats

Petersburg native: DB Donamatrix

Creator of The Donamatrix Workout, DB Donamatrix, is known for his signature DON-A-MATRIX TRAINING Method and breakthrough resistance band workout. He is a graduate of Petersburg High School and Virginia State University. The DON-A-MATRIX TRAINING Studio is located at 7704 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, Calif.

"The Benefit Gala" produced by A3 Group is for adults only, and tickets/tables range in price from $100 - $1,000. Visit donamatrix.com for more information about the "Gala," Donamatrix Day and to secure your seat at the swanky affair to help others.

Demetrius Frasier loves to readPetersburg: Man with passion for literacy opens reader and activist focused bookstore

Books, pop-ups, apartments, breakfast...Petersburg's sweet and sour biz buzz: We're in the know...

— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.

Your support is vital to local journalism. Please subscribe.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: VSU grad, Don 'DB Donamatrix' Brooks hosts benefit gala in Petersburg