YWCA Greater Los Angeles Black and White Benefactrix Ball 2010

Red Carpet Report

Ball in Beverly Hills for YWCA Features El DeBarge and L.A @ Yahoo! Video

Find out what happened after the redcarpet below.

YWCA Dazzles in Beverly Hills for Benefactors

By Billie Jordan

Administrators at the YWCA Greater Los Angeles showcase high class indulgence at the 5 star luxurious, Beverly Hills Hotel - when donors meet for their annual Black & White Benefactrix Ball. October 22, 2010 was no exception.

Popular faces in entertainment and politics showed to honor humanitarians and to raise funds in preparation for the YWCA GLA Job Corps program’s big move to its Downtown campus in 2012.

“When I think about the caliber of honorees we are saluting this year, it reminds me of the majestic eagle…When the storm rages, the eagle spreads its wings to soar and go higher,” YWCA GLA's CEO, Faye Washington said in a note for the ball.

Speaking of soaring eagles - celebrity guest, sponsors and philanthropist arrived dressed in stunning attire and ready for a ball fit for congress; literally. Congresswoman Diane Watson was there and bestowed the 2010 Silver achievement award. Plus, Antonio Manning, the Region Executive for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Global Philanthropy Group was bestowed the Corporate Champion Award, and Daphna Ziman, founder of Children Uniting Nations, the Sorumundi (Sisters of the World) Award.

Wearing bowties and black and white dining attire, sharp and attentive waiters served a delicate salad with chunks of fine blue cheese. Dinner which followed, was mashed potatoes, asparagus, decorated pear and about four ounces of flame broiled beef and another four ounces of white fish, aside it. It was an elegant setting. Oh and there was quality red and white wine to a donor’s heart desire.

While the media had its way with stars of the red carpet, the ball room quickly filled with upstanding and elegantly dressed people, largely African American.

Celebrity supporters included actress, Rachel Grant (007 Die Another Day), actress Mirtha Michelle (Fast & the Furious), model Marilin Archie (She's Got the Look), actress Tangi Miller (Felicity), actress Kiki Shepard (Showtime at the Apollo), actress Shanica Knowls (Hannah Montana), Holly Mitchell (Democratic candidate for State Assembly in California's 47th District), among others.

“If you sneeze, raise your hand or breathe, I consider that a bid,” Actress and Comedienne, Kim Whitley said.

After a request for a $50,000 dollar pledge had no takers, the first to lead the evening was a pledge for $5,000, several takers for $1,000 and a wave of $100 pledges came in at once.

In just under 10 minutes pledge leaders had raised more than $8,000, during the fun. While proceeds from the silent auction won’t be revealed until later this week, YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, reports $57,000 in pledges that evening.

The highlights of the evening hosted by radio personality, Adai Lamar of KJLH’s “Free Talk,” included an auction by Bang the Gaval - with all the exciting details of an auction; there was the excitement of bidding and the speedy, low pitch voice customary for auctioneers; Ziman’s story about meeting the homeless girl she would later adopt; and vocalist, El DeBarge’s coveted performance. (One of the Items auctioned was a portrait signed by the late entertainer, Michael Jackson.)

Financial gifts and auction earnings to pay for student household goods; including towels, sheets, bathroom items and electronics.

The YWCA published an Urban Campus Gift Catalogue for supporters and can be accessed online at: www.ywcagla.org.

The 2010 Black & White Benefactrix Ball participant sponsors include, Edison, Union Bank, Chase, Wells Fargo and Los Angeles Confidential Magazine.

As ballroom attendees left for escorts to their cars, party hostesses, suited in black distributed black gift bags containing fun items from sponsors, including a Lexus keychain, a copy of the Los Angeles Confidential magazine, Human Natures sun flower beauty oil and other cosmetics.

Celebrity Interviews: By Billie Jordan for EURweb
YWCA Red Carpet Report: Produced, filmed and edited by Billie Jordan for EURweb