Celebrate Life!
The Gala Fundraiser, held in Los Angeles on February 17th at the California African American Museum was an enchanting evening!! This fundraiser was held to support YOGA in GHANA, the first yoga conference in West Africa; a history-making event as black yoga teachers and students from the US will convene with yoga students and teachers in the African Diaspora. The Ghana Summit is scheduled for August 2-19, 2007, and will be the launch for our Health Empowerment Project which will demonstrate the benefits of yoga and meditation as a complementary therapy for people suffering with chronic diseases, such as hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS both in Ghana and in the US.
Judge Mablean Ephraim of Divorce Court, and Actress Vanessa Williams of the TV series, “Soul Food”, along with the Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith of “The Secret”, hosted this event, and they were sensational and kept the evening up beat and personal! The over 200 guests in attendance were entertained with music by the live band, Titus, while Nawili Gray got the dance floor moving with line dancing. Tajmika Paxton gave yoga demonstrations with the assistance of Nadira Belcher, Mustapha Sankofa and Tara Thomas. Even though Forest Whitaker was extremely busy with his Oscar obligations, he sent a video message that was moving and uplifting! His beautiful presence was truly felt by all. An exquisite gourmet vegetarian buffet was served by Pshawn‘s Catering, and everyone simply raved about the desserts!!!
The Silent Auction was a huge success. We were blessed to have over 60 contributors, which brought in over $5,000. Big hugs and many thanks to all who participated! The items up for Auction ranged from art, hand crafted jewelry and accessories, home accessories, gift cards, elegant dining at hot spots in LA, personal health services and consultations, and yoga and pilates equipment. The bidding was strong all evening. We have some left over items, which we will put on the website. Please view the boutique. Orders will ship in 4-6 weeks.
Congratulations to our award winners:
Ujima Awards
Eva Georgia
Francis Yemofio, M.D.
Maxine Liggins, M.D.
Richard Hamilton
Bill Releford, D.P.M.
Ahimsa Award
Mark Ridley-Thomas
Yoga Trailblazer Award
Denise Davidson
Many thanks to everyone who made this gala fundraiser a huge success. Here are some of the people who made this event possible:
Celebrate Life Honorary Committee:
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, State Assembly Member Karen Bass, State Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, Councilman Bernard Parks, Wilbert C. Jordan, M.D., Stephen Simon, J.D., Glenda Weena, Sabina Virgo, Rosie Lee Hooks, James Burks, Nichelle Hoskins
Celebrate Life Gala Fundraiser Planning Committee:
Barbara Dennis, Event Coordinator, Charles McWells, Project Coordinator, Sima Aleahmad, Nikia Billingslea, Marylanise Buchanan, Anita Carlyle, Lisa Carrol, Russell Edwards, Sandra Fisher, Dawn Greenidge, Krishna Kaur, Jendai Kwakye, Keya Merah, Clem Payne, Jr., Raam Kaur, Marsha Walters, Martha Watson, Alice Wingate
Here’s what folks had to say
I thought it was a great party!!! I think people had a great time and learned a lot about IABYT. They came away with something good, positive and hopeful. Russell Edwards
I thought it was a wonderful affair. This type of event gives IABYT more exposure and moves the organization to a new level, which goes beyond our circle of people. Let’s start planning now for a bigger and better event next year! Thanks Martha Watson
I wanted to thank you again for inviting us. It was a great event, and I would love to build a strong relationship with the IABYT. … Let’s talk, and don't be surprised if I start showing up in class again. Hope all is well. Thanks Phil
The program was good, loved the entertainment and the food was great!! It was a good affair. I would come again. Nawili Gray
Hi there how are you? What a beautiful event the fundraiser turned out to be, congratulations! Love Bahni Turpin
The fundraiser was excellent. I loved the food!! It was a very uplifting, easy, and enjoyable event. Angela Lott
The event was more than I expected. Our main goal was for everyone to leave happy, and they did!!! The food was excellent and well presented. The Silent Auction was well received. Barbara Dennis
