Cars and Cigars: Giving Back to the Community
Photo: Adrian Michael
1973 Chevy Coupe is ready for Cars and Cigars.
Story and photos by Adrian Michael
The Aurora-based Cigar Lordz launched their 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2016 when a group of five men bonded over their shared enjoyment of cigars. It wasn’t long after that they decided to be more than a social group and work together to make a difference in the community.
“We’re pushing ourselves to get bigger because the more we can give, the better things are,” said Cigar Lordz President CJ Johnson. “We have a lot of guys who want to give back because someone gave to them. They understand the feeling of how satisfying it can be to make someone's day, no matter how big or small. That is one of the best feelings ever. People see the [Cigar Lordz] name, but they don’t know the guys behind the brand. So, our idea is to go ahead and give back and meet as many people as we can because it helps us grow.”
Johnson reached out to Smolder Lounge, which is also based in Aurora, to join forces with them in their effort to give back. Heather M. Linn, who owns Smolder Lounge did not hesitate to accept.
“We partnered with the Cigar Lordz since we have a big voice,” Linn said. “We also own the Gentlemen’s Groom Room Barbershop [next to Smolder Lounge], so we can reach more people, help get the word out, and help get the community involved. The more people involved, the more people we can help” Linn said. “We really want to get involved in the community and get the community back together, because COVID took everyone and put them in a little turtle shell, and before COVID, it seemed like everyone really wanted to help everybody. And now it just seems like everybody is very much in their little niche and I want to be helping them get out of that.”
Smolder Lounge is an inclusive cigar lounge that has been in business for 11 years. “We want everyone, no matter what they do for a living, their color, or age to feel comfortable and feel more like family than it a clique.
For the 2023 holiday season, the Cigar Lordz and Smolder Lounge will host a turkey giveaway in November and a toy drive in December.
According to Johnson, the Cigar Lordz plans to create events where they’re doing more than giveaways, like mentoring, as well as advocating for social justice and mental health care. “Our goal is to be able to help everyone, we believe in ‘teach one, reach one,’” Johnson said.