Article
from Los Angeles Sentinel about Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner
The 6th Annual
Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner
Over a hundred and twenty five men honored
and still going strong . . .
The event is over, but the memory of Sunday,
June 17, 2007 still lingers on. It was lights camera and action
again on Fathers Day as the honorees stroll down the red carpet
at the 6th Annual Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner Ceremony.
Family, friends and well-wishers help to celebrate their father,
uncle or male mentor at this year's annual event.
This prestigious affair was held at the Proud Bird with standing
room only as we watched a pre-tapped presentation called Words
From The Heart, where family and friends gave their testimony
of gratitude.
"This was the best one ever," said Jerry Kiper Co-Producer
of the HTF Awards Dinner Ceremony. This was a very exciting
year for us said Denise Estelle founder of the Honor
Thy Father Awards Dinner Ceremony, and President of Estelle
for Humanity. "We included several components to enhance
the experience of each attendee. For the second year now we've
included The Father's Kids Area, a designated area for children,
with arts and crafts allowing them the opportunity to be a kid
and not have to sit at a banquet table for hours. It was absolutely
phenomenal, we had about 50 kids participating and each child
received a goodie bag. The Director of the Father's Kids Area
is Alberta McCoy who is a Los Angeles schoolteacher.
Ms. McCoy coordinates the Kids area for the Los Angeles Black
Business Expo, and The African Market Place. She's very good
at what she does and we're blessed to have her said Denise Estelle.
This year we introduced the Red Carpet Walk, where each honoree
after receiving their award walked down the Red Carpet and was
then interviewed by Time Warner.
Another component added this year was the honoring of two extraordinary
women who are making a difference in our community. We have
a very special tribute called Illuminating the Journey Award
said Mr. Jerry Kiper. This year we presented the award
to Mattie Nettervile, a mother, grandmother and a community
activist. Debra Bell Holt our second recipient is a foster
parent and the founder of the Love and Respect Youth Foundation.
Our
2007 Honor Thy Father Awards honorees are:
Randolph Simmons 89 years young, a father, grandfather
and great grandfather who leads by example. His grandson Jared
Freeman surprised him with a special tribute of Amazing Grace.
Pierre Botnem was born in Cameroon, Africa and arrived
in the United States by way of Villa Le Belle, France; where
he played professional league soccer. He is the eldest of nine
children, the Uncle of seven, and the Father of a beautiful
little girl. As a management professional he enjoys good food,
friends, family, and the world should stop when it comes to
soccer.
Keith
Cummings: Was certainly surprised by family and friends.
He is a caring dad, a loving husband, and a wonderful friend.
He is currently a supervisor at Caltrans.
Carl M. Clay a loving husband, father and mentor was
all smiles as stroll down and took the Red Carpet walk.
Howard
Thomas was so excited when he heard his name announced,
he literally jumped up from his seat with excitement. Mr. Thomas
is very active in the lives of family, friends and community.
Don Blackwell was born in up state New York and is the
middle sibling of a large family. He is the father of five and
the uncle of many-to whom he is a father figure and provider.
William Allen Young a well know actor from the hit TV
Show Moesha was surprised by his wife and two sons.
James L. Lang a husband
and father was pleasantly surprised by his wife and three sons.
Navy Officer Boyd Simpson III was honored by his two
young daughters. Officer Simpson is leaving for Iraq for a year.
Evan Tillett was surprised by his beautiful wife and
kids. He is a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, who
give his love, support, time, dedication, advice, and encouragement
to his family and friends.
Johnel
Langerston-founder and owner of Phatefx, Inc. was the Keynote
Speaker sharing his unique and provocative rags to riches story.
The Mistress of Ceremony was Pearl Jr. author, activist,
journalist and producer. The Master of Ceremony was Prince
Zaire actor, singer, writer, and broadcaster. Marcel
Byes the author of "The Definition Of A Man" gave
a power invocation.
Adrian
Dove chairman of CORE-LDEF and President of L.A. County
Human Relations Commission received the Celes King III Prestigious
Award. Michael Freeman co-founder and executive director
of Elevate Your G.A.M.E received the 2007 Community Vanguard
Award.
The
Entertainment was provided by Marcus Paul-Trumpet, Evan
Grier-Drums, Dylan McCabe-Bass, Aaron Provisor-Piano,
and Sam Morgan-Tenor Sax, these are students of Hamilton
High School who came out to support the HTF Awards Dinner. The
percussions and Libation was presented by Chazz.
The Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner Program happens to be the
original event on father's day honoring the men that truly make
a difference in our lives.
Since it's inception in 2002 it has been a leader in our community.
The event is presented by Estelle for humanity, KIA & Associates
and CORE-LDEF. Estelle for Humanity the umbrella company is
building an institution of Pride, Dignity and Respect. Some
of our supporters this year are: The Los Angeles Sentinel, Dr.
Rosie Milligan, K-Day, Councilman 8th District Bernard Parks,
Councilwoman 9th District Jan Perry. Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke,
Washington Mutual, Simply Wholesome, Norman Lewis Limousine,
The Los Angeles Black Business Expo, The African Marketplace,
Picture It, Teri King and family and Marine Terminals Corporation.
With our national advertisement this year we received support
from Ms. Quick of New York City, Ms. Logan, of San Diego, and
Mr. Copeland from Kansas City.
We are now accepting registration for our 2008 honorees; you
may reach us 323.281.0766 or email us at Estelle
for Humanity @yahoo.com. Website www.honorthyfather.org.
Donations can be made to Estelle for Humanity,
P.O. Box 47621, Los Angeles, CA 90047.
For
more information contact: Estelle & Associates
Email: estelleforhumanity@yahoo.com
