Jenesse Center is proud to announce Multi-platinum recording artist Leona Lewis to perform at the 30th Anniversary Silver Rose Gala and Auction. The event will be held Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The theme for this year’s event is “In A Perfect Worldâ€.
Chaired by Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry, the event will benefit Jenesse Center families, a nonprofit organization that provides holistic, comprehensive programs to nurture families victimized by domestic violence back to a place of mental, financial, physical and emotional well being. Berry said, “I am so excited to welcome Leona Lewis to perform at our 30th Anniversary Event. This year marks a major celebration for Jenesse and all the good work that our sponsors and supporters have enabled us to accomplish for the women and children who rely on our help. We are ready to celebrate 30 years of service and raise lots of money so we can continue for 30 more years helping families to heal, grow and thrive.â€
The Silver Rose Gala and Auction is the kick off event to the Silver Rose Weekend and will honor individuals and organizations that have effected positive change in their communities. This year’s illustrious group of honorees include Ambassador Shabazz, Mark and Avis Ridley-Thomas, Jackie Thompson and Southwest Airlines. Ambassador Shabazz who embraced Jenesse’s “Day in the Life†program through facility beautification. Her projects for the shelters, including painting and updating shelter décor, have given families a place that looks and feels like “home.†Power couple Mark and Avis Ridley-Thomas who are staunch defenders of human rights and the protection of the family unit, and have worked together for over 25 years to end domestic violence and ensure that every person in need has access to shelter. Jackie Thompson, Southwest Airlines’ Community Affairs Manager and Southwest Airlines for faithfully providing transportation for families needing assistance to escape harms way and reducing Jenesse’s travel costs so that funds raised may go directly into the shelters and supporting Jenesse families. Board President Avis Frazier-Thomas said, “We are proud to salute our honorees who have helped Jenesse Center provide needed services to its clients; these are the special people who embrace our mission and help bring healing and well-being to our families and communities .”
The Silver Rose Weekend will continue with the 2nd Annual Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic at the Wilshire Country Club on Monday, April 19, 2010. Jenesse Center will acknowledge Charlie Sifford as the 2010 Silver Rose Pioneer in Golf Honoree for his courage to pursue his dream to play golf professionally against violent opposition, which paved the way for other African American golfers to compete. Dr. Othella T. Owens, Chair of the Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic said, “Charles Sifford, helped pave the way for Tiger Woods. Unquestionably he is to golf what Jackie Robinson was to baseball. The difference is Jackie Robinson had Branch Rickey and Charlie had no mentor. As he said in his autobiography, all he wanted to do was play the game. He persevered so that now all children regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation can pick up a golf club and play.â€
The Silver Rose Gala & Auction is SOLD OUT. Tickets are still available for the 2nd Annual Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic. For more information on The Silver Rose Weekend, please call Jenesse Center at 323.299.9496, ext. 103 or visit the website at www.jenesse.org.
About Jenesse Center
Founded in 1980, Jenesse Center Inc. provides culturally sensitive programs, services and outreach efforts to families by providing a comprehensive, centralized base of support and services that ensures a transition from immediate crisis to stability and self-sufficiency.
Housing women and children from 30 days up to two years through its 156-bed emergency and transitional shelters, Jenesse provides a variety of support services to over 2,000 families annually including mental health counseling, independent life skills classes, computer training, job referrals, after school programs for children, field trips, tutoring and legal assistance offering assistance with obtaining restraining orders for domestic violence victims.