Our story
Two Northwest High grads, one chance meeting, and a shared promise to give back.
Brandon Cheng was dining in Barking Mad Cafe in Gaithersburg when he ran into Chris Patterson. Chris recognized Brandon from his social media posts and stopped to praise his work. Brandon called it a blessing. Not long after, Brandon wanted to do a back-to-school drive, a friend told him to find someone to work with, and he called Chris. They bonded over shared faith, aligned values, and a love for the Germantown community that raised them. That first giveaway in the Northwest High School parking lot became the Germantown Back 2 School Give Away.
Presenting partner
Bangin' BBQ
A father-and-son operation from Germantown natives James and Chris Patterson, Bangin' BBQ is a premier food truck and catering company serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Chris is a Northwest High School alum and worked as a linebackers coach at the school for 12 years. He met Brandon Cheng at Barking Mad Cafe in Gaithersburg, recognized him from social media, and the two quickly bonded over shared faith and a love for Germantown. That conversation turned into the first back-to-school giveaway, and Bangin' BBQ has fired the smoker for every give away since.
Presenting partner
Sole Inspires
Founded by Germantown native Brandon Cheng, Sole Inspires is a sneaker and streetwear retail brand built on the belief that looking good and doing good can go hand in hand. What started as an online and mobile business grew into a storefront at Clarksburg Outlets. Brandon was dining in Barking Mad Cafe in Gaithersburg when he ran into Chris Patterson, who recognized him from his social media posts and praised his work. Brandon called the meeting a blessing. When he wanted to do a back-to-school drive, he called Chris, and together they launched the giveaway that became the Germantown Back 2 School Give Away.
Meet the hosts
Germantown native and Northwest High School alum. Chris co-organizes the give away with Brandon from planning through event day. On the ground, he roams the event, gives a hand where needed, and connects with the community while his Bangin' BBQ team handles the truck.
Germantown native and Northwest High School alum who turned a love for sneakers into Sole Inspires. Brandon co-organizes the give away with Chris, sharing equal responsibility from planning through event day. On the ground, he roams the event, helps wherever needed, and makes sure every family feels welcomed.