When it comes to hitting one out of the park, Christina and Edward “Eddie” Sledge not only created a media company in the middle of a pandemic, but they are also using Sledge House Media to share their own remarkable love story, while remaining focused on giving back to the greater community.
The couple, who were former high school sweethearts, met up again before Christmas in 1999, when he was home on leave from the U.S. Army, and the spark was rekindled. Soon after, Eddie proposed, and two months later, they eloped. They have been married for 25 years and are the loving parents of two daughters, Tiara, 24, and Olivia, 17.
“After we said ‘I do,’ in the middle of a snowstorm with only two quarters in our pockets, I called my father and he sent us $50 by Western Union that I used to get two combos at KFC; it was our first meal as a married couple,” Eddie recently told Gaithersburg Lifestyle Magazine.
They self-published a book, and later produced a movie about their lovely story of romance and faith, aptly called Joined by Fate.
Several years ago, they couldn’t have imagined they would build a successful marriage as well as a media company focused on books, short films, a radio show, podcasts, and more.
Now, taking all of these a step further, they enjoy working as publishing consultants to share the untold stories of the average person and help them market their creative endeavors.
One project led to another, and now the highly successful media mavens are looking to continue the momentum and realize their dream of philanthropy.
Why Giving Back Matters
Philanthropy, especially in and around Gaithersburg and the Potomac, is part of the fabric of the Sledge House family. Much of this stems from Eddie’s childhood. When Eddie was 12 years old, his family’s apartment caught on fire.
His father helped everyone get out of the house, and “the first people on the scene to help his family were from the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. This always stuck in the back of my mind,” Eddie recalled.
Christina remembers her great-grandmother, Enid, an immigrant from Panama, coming to Brooklyn during the depression without resources.
“The Salvation Army sourced their first Thanksgiving dinner,” she said, “My great-grandmother, who was extremely influential in my life, always gave back. All of this remains near and dear to both of our hearts.”
Christina is also a member of the American Red Cross in Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick County Chapters' board and is involved with several other charitable organizations.
A Touching Children’s Book, A Day at Shea
Most of Eddie and Christina’s books and other media projects are rooted in their life stories, which overlap when it comes to faith, family, community, and philanthropy.
When Eddie was nine years old, he had a sleepover at his friend’s house, and while eating cereal the next morning, he saw a coupon on the box for a free ticket to Shea Stadium to see the Mets play. His friend said he could have it, but he knew his parents couldn’t take him.
“So, I redeemed soda bottles for cash at the corner store, headed to the subway station nearby, and found out how much it cost to get to the stadium,” Eddie said.
“I took the train, followed the crowd, and handed in my ticket to the nosebleed section. I watched the game until it was time to go home. This stayed in the back of my mind when we decided to write a children’s book.”
When Christina first heard this story, she “understood how much of a baseball fan my husband was and realized some children never get to enjoy this quintessential American experience.”
So, in the spirit of giving back, when the couple had the opportunity to partner their media company with the Brooklyn Cyclones, they sponsored the team’s reading program. Children who read four books received two free tickets to a game, so they wouldn’t have to go alone like Eddie did. “For us, to give back to children was so important.”
By sponsoring a game, they received 200 free tickets that they, in turn, donated to first responders and their families. “It was the most rewarding feeling when we met the children and their parents at the game,” she said. “It became a true family event and started a tradition for them.”
These parents of two daughters have taught the next generation about the importance of finding a path that fuels their passion.
“Our daughters know if we say we are going to do something, we do it,” Christina said. “Our legacy is about staying true to yourself, being a good person, and always having faith and integrity.”
For More Information, Go To:
Website: SledgeHouseMedia.com
Instagram: @SledgeHouseMedia
Facebook: @SledgeHouseMedia
Radio Show & Podcast: sledgehousemedia.com/lounging
American Red Cross: redcross.org/donate/donation
Salvation Army:
"Our legacy is about staying true to yourself...and always having faith and integrity.”
“For us, to give back to children was so important.”