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Courage in Leadership Award to Congresswoman Lucille-Roybal-Allard, Corporate Leadership Award to Johnson & Johnson and Unsung Hero Award to Alec Mapa.
Event hosted by CBS2/KCAL-TV9 News Reporter Juan Fernandez and Actress Tamlyn Tomita.
On October 24, 2012, the APAIT Health Center celebrated 25 years of service. The fundraiser was located at the beautiful Vibiana at 214 South Main Street in Los Angeles. Doors opened at 6:00 p.m to 10:00 pm.
The exclusive VIP Reception was located outside where guest can enjoy a hosted wine reception by Rosalynd Winery. Midsummer Cellars and Maison Akira were also there. A keepsake wine glass was given as a gift. The delicious food was provided by Starry Kitchen. From garlic noodles, small sandwiches, salad sample, and meatballs was deliciously made with lots of flavor. Crepes Sans Frontieres provided awesome food also. Your choice of drink was provided at the bar hosted by Angel City Brewery. Stunning rows of cupcakes were given by Big Man Bakes. All types of flavors were provided. Guest received free drinks from Jarritos. If you don’t drink alcohol, it was a perfect drink choice.
Attendees got to stop by the 97.1 AMP Radio booth for a free gift. Food, wine, Beer and great company, for a good cause, what more can you ask for. (Please click on the photos to view them regular size).
Around 8:00 p.m. the program was ready to begin. To start off the program, the lovely talented Jennifer Spingola performed with her violin. Her beauty and the sound of her music captured all eyes on her. What a way to start off the festivities. After her performance, the first designer Cody Sai showcased the exclusive women’s designs. Seng Xiong followed with his stunning short and sassy dresses. His designs have been featured in Desperate Housewives, and Beverly Hills 90210.
After the teasers of presenting two great fashion designers, they welcome the Emcees for the night. Juan Fernandez from CBS2/KCAL9 News Reporter and Tamlyn Tomita, Actress from “Glee” and “Joy Luck Club” arrived at the stage. They introduced the Honorable Congresswoman Judy Chu. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 32nd District in July 2009. She presented the “Courage in Leadership” Award to Honorable Congresswoman. Lucille Roybal-Allard. She is a champion for health care reform, public health initiatives, and community building. Lucille’s father was the first member of Congress to fight for AIDS Research. Jury Candelario, Chief Executive Officer of APAIT was given a certificate for the organization.
The designs from Madison Park Collective were introduced. The collection ranged from a great selection of colors such as light orange, light green, red, white, and don’t forget the blue jeans. You never can go wrong with blue jeans for your collection. Jeans with hooded sweaters are perfect for a fall day. A muscle shirt with rainbow of colors is very sexy. A carry on bag makes the outfit complete. Tight jeans showing off the great bodies of slim models can get the attention of any women. Tight shorts, muscle shirts and flip flops are very comfortable for a day at the beach. The style is perfect for those slim tall men.
The best way to let people know how APAIT Health Center provides their services, they displayed a video to give everyone important information about their services, and what they have done in the community. Introduction of board members were interviewed and giving feedback about the center’s accomplishments. They emphasis how happy it is to work and help others. The importance in raising funds for a good cause is worth wild. Contributing makes a big difference.
Next to show her lavish designs was Aerithe by Sharlenne Chen. Purple sequins layered dresses hit the runway. Bow tie at back made the dress look glamorous. Bold red with knitted back dresses were sizzled with sexy lace. A mix color dress with gray and dark blue bottom is perfect for any night out in the town. Black satin jeweled dress was elegant for any fabulous party. What more can you say about it, just stunning.
Back to the awards, Johnson & Johnson received the “Corporate Leadership Award”. The representative receiving the award for Johnson & Johnson had a lengthy speech. Attendees began to get bored and started talking. The next performance by Contra Tiempo danced their way to the runway. The performers danced Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Contemporary urban and abstract dance theatre. Their aggressive dancing got the attention of all who stay to watch them perform. It was like a story was being told. The moves were rough and sexy.
The funny actor and comedian, Alex Mapa received the “Unsung Hero Award”. He was an actor in “Ugly Betty” and a host on “The View”. APAIT considers him as a dear friend who has helped those living with HIV. His speech was very funny and entertaining. He was very thankful for the award. The beautiful Brook Lee presented him with the award. She was crowned “Miss Universe”.
Ozomatli, a Latino, hip hop, salsa, dancehall cumbia, samba, funk, meringue, comparsa and R&B band was the stoplight performance for the night. They played a few songs, but when they started their third performance, models for Andrew Christian’s collection hit the runway.
Andrew Christian has a simple image of style. His image is not about pants, shirts, hats or bags. It is underwear. Gorgeous models walked the runway with just sexy underwear on. The audience roared, clamped, whistled with enjoyment. Some of the models even blushed and danced to entertain the guests. You can get all types of colors for his collection. The boxer shorts and briefs were very fitted and tight.
The last designer presenting his collection is Sonthai Gi. The lavish bridal designs were very stunning and richly fitted. Lacy bridal gowns dazzled with beauty. Jewels gathered at the top portion of the gown will make any bride feel rich and beautiful. Gowns combine with light pink and white stands out on a special wedding day. Long trains with satin looked alluring. Lots of layers draping makes you feel like a princess. Sparkling beads in the front of the dress near belt line is perfect for a bridal who likes to be simple. Head dressing with sequins makes the gown look expensive. Other colors like black, red, green, and light pink are perfect colors for bridesmaids.
Ozomatli continued to play at the end while guests exiting the building and obtaining a gift bag. Overall, it was a great attendance and APAIT Health Center raised funds to continue all their services. Congratulations to APAIT Health Center for 25 years of service.
APAIT Health Center vision is to advocate, educate and achieve great health and well-being for people using their services. Their staff is available for medical, case management and social services. Services provided are Behavioral Health & Substance Use, HIV Case Management, Research & Development, Prevention, and Medical Services. From 1987 to 2012, the agency has made history in the community. The leadership has made a big difference in supporting people in need. The center has supported groups and mental health counseling services. They started new programs such as API Transgender outreach program, and Women on Women program. They receive grants such as Health Education & Risk Reduction, and Social Marketing & Public Relations. The purpose of the fundraiser is to continue the work to help those who seek their services. For more information visit http://www.apaitonline.org/
For more videos visit Diversity News TV on Blip TV at http://blip.tv/diversity-news-tv or Diversity News TV on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/diversitynews
Photos credit to: Mireta Khalil from miretaphoto.com and Stella Gomez from Disco Stella’s Pics for Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications.
Editor’s Note: We want to Thank Mr. Noel Alumit for the invitation and Ms. Elizabeth Wu for accommodating Designer Boy Lizaso and for working with us. Also Thank you to ChanChi and Celebrity Photographers Mireta Khalil and Stella Gomez for the photos. In another note Actor and Musician John Cho was a no show.
