A few years ago a phenomenon known as Flash Mob swept throughout the Internet via YouTube, an ‘express yourself’ type of video experience that has grown into a household word.

A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place to perform an unusual act for a brief time, then disperse. The first one was believed to be in Manhattan during May 2003. 

Bill Wasik, senior editor of Harper’s Magazine, came up with the idea and they have since been done all over the world.

Bill McCartney who is spearheading the opening of The Red Door Cafe & Thrift is using the same idea to create awareness and as part of their Internet fundraising campaign. 

The original idea to build this community resource came from a conversation between McCartney and the director of Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Jerry Jacob.

“With the current economy it has been difficult for the clinic and other nonprofits to find donations to maintain their levels of service,” said McCartney. “That need was coupled with wanting to expand Grace Café, a ministry of Grace Episcopal Church and out of that need, The Red Door Cafe & Thrift was

born.”

As the name implies, The Red Door is adapting the highly successful business model that creates synergy between a restaurant and retail store, much like the old Walgreen’s business model, or like today’s Cracker Barrel.

“But what makes this one particularly exciting is that the projected profits are substantial and all will be given back to the community instead of going to owners and stockholders,” McCartney said. 

Specifically, half will go to women’s shelters, a free health clinic, volunteer fire departments, children’s services, or other nonprofits and benevolent organizations through a grant program.  The other half will go to Christian mission and outreach administered by Grace Episcopal Church.

While building profit to help other organizations meet their worthwhile goals, the cafe space will also be used for a Bible study group, a book club, speakers to present a variety of perspectives on current affairs, a performance choir’s rehearsal space for at-risk teens and other efforts to enrich and strengthen the community.

An agreement on the old Klein Dairy building (Cullman Apparel) had been reached and fundraising had begun to remodel, buy fixtures and equipment and get started.

“Things were going great when two weeks later the tornado hit our building and everything came to a halt,” McCartney said. “Last week an offer was made on another building and we are waiting for the owner’s response.”

“Flash mobs are a unique phenomena on the Internet right now and if they are done right they can bring thousands of viewers to your web site,” said McCartney. “The hope is that some of those who find our web site will also make a donation. Whether someone donates a little or a lot, every dollar is

appreciated and will make a difference in many lives, in many ways, for many years.”

For Cullman’s first Flash Mob, The Red Door Café & Thrift’s group decided to sing a new version of the old gospel song, Amazing Grace, called, “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone,” by Chris Tomlin.    Choirs around the area were asked to participate and the response was heartwarming.

“Choir members and friends from Christ Covenant Presbyterian, Christ Lutheran, First Presbyterian, St. Paul’s Lutheran, Grace Episcopal, and First Baptist of Gardendale all showed up to share their voices,” said McCartney.

The group met at Grace Episcopal Church early on the morning of Saturday, June 25. None of the singers knew where they were going, only that they were going to be part of what was billed as “Alabama’s Greatest Flash Mob.”  Grace’s Choir Director Michelle Flack worked out the various choir parts and directed the practice.

They practiced as one group for the first time, then received their top secret instructions and gathered at Wal-Mart. “They walked in just like any other customer,” said McCartney. “Then stationed themselves at various points near the front of the store.”

At the appointed time unsuspecting shoppers were suddenly surprised with the rich baritone voice from one of their fellow shoppers as he broke into seemingly spontaneous song.

“Bill Strandlund stood up on a bench and began, closely followed in succession by Michelle Flack, Jay Jones, Shelia Jester, then 41 other voices joined in,” said McCartney. “By the second verse customers and cashiers had joined in, some with tears in their eyes.  A crowd of around 200  eventually gathered round to listen,” said an exuberant McCartney. “Everyone enjoyed it and folks were asking when we were going to do it again.”

There were applause and smiles on every face as they singers made their way out.

“The video is YouTube now,” said McCartney. “In a very short period of time the response was more than we had hoped for. There were over 2,500 views from 42 states, Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.  And the positive comments people left were amazing.”

McCartney, who spearheaded the fund-raiser is quick to give credit to others.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of TV-27’s production manager Danny Brown, and station manager Michael Hutchens or without the help of videographer Ted Allen from TV-2.  Their willingness to provide the needed expertise made the difference between something good and something wonderful that everyone can be proud to be part of.”

You can see the video of Cullman’s first ever Flash Mob by going to YouTube and searching “people of Wal-mart sing amazing grace.  There is also a link at “cullmantimes.com. The Red Door Cafe & Thrift’s web site containing additional information can be found at “TheRedDoorCullman.com.” 

“All donations will make an important difference in getting The Red Door Cafe & Thrift open and returning thanks to our community,” McCartney concluded. For more information contact Bill McCartney at TheRedDoorCullman@att.net.