Report, photos and exclusive interview by Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)
R&B singer, songwriter, actor, and philanthropist Mario Barrett was joined by VIPs and friends to celebrate his 25th birthday at Silo Point in Baltimore on August 13, 2011. The Baltimore native turns 25 on August 27.
The dinner also served as fundraiser for The Mario Do Right Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established by Mario in 2007 to educate and inspire kids who suffer from the drug addictions of their parents.
In an exclusive interview with Ib Talk Online, Mario expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to friends, family and everyone who has been supportive of his efforts through The Mario Do Right Foundation as he continues to reach out to youths―both in person and by use of technology―inspiring them and boosting their self-esteem.
“I think the most important thing kids should do is aspire to become leaders, develop and maintain a high self-esteem and never let a drug hold them captive – something that they need every single day to survive, work and be inspired,” Mario told Ib Talk Online.
“It’s just about finding out what your passion is, developing it, striving for the best and trying to stay focused.”
The full interview with Mr. Barrett will be published soon on this website. The star, who will release his fifth album in October, talked exclusively about his childhood days and the challenges he encountered, his foundation and some of the initiatives they are working on. It’s an inspiring story. For more information visit www.mariodoright.org
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