What an evening, a photographers dream: Flashback Ball From Hunger to Hope Gala goers were dressed in their best shabby sheik hippie attire with big hair, Afros, head bands, beads and all the looks from those fine days. The energy in the room was groovy, man. They were all there for one reason, check that maybe three reasons: to eat, drink and most importantly raise money for a wonderful cause.
As guests made their way toward the entrance of the KY Center African American Heritage, they were taken in by the sounds of a drum circle and musicians playing songs from the 1960s that filled the already electric feel in the air. People were dancing and greeting guests as they arrived, and attendees kept on coming by cars, SUVs, buses and limos. I was waiting to see a horse-drawn carriage come up but I guess Mr. Ed must not have received an invite.
The center was buzzing as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were floating around this fellowship of awesomeness. This was not a keg beer and cocktail weenie kind of soiree. Subsistence support was provided by Jarfi’s Bistro so you know that means munchies were squandered away. Jarfi's also catered a wonderful gift of a multi-course meal.
During dinner, Terry Meiners kept the diners entertained like only Terry can do. David Novak took the podium and gave a heartfelt testimony about his dear parents, explaining that he never could have made it where he is today without their support and he proceeded to present them both with a Yum award. Mr. Novak went on about his and many others' passion to demolish world hunger.
Here is a little info about their cause: For the last decade, Yum! Brands has sought to address hunger in the United States with their Yum! Harvest program, which has provided more than 148 million pounds of food to those in need. Then in 2007, Yum! expanded its efforts globally by creating World Hunger Relief to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds for the United Nations World Food Program and other hunger relief organizations. Thanks to the generosity of their customers, franchisees and employees, World Hunger Relief has provided more than 460 million meals to those who need it the most, and is now the world’s largest public-private sector hunger relief initiative, resulting in $115 million in donations for the World Food Program and related agencies. Yum's employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 21 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide. As dinner was winding down, the auction began and the first auction item up for bid was a 2013 Oaks and Derby package with all the bells and whistles. The items and services that were up for bid were second to none. There were all inclusive trips, concert VIP packages for huge artists, meals prepared by top chefs and the list goes on. All proceeds will be donated to the United Nations World Food Program and the Dare to Care Food Bank. It was a gorgeous, very well-organized event that was decorated to the nines and I was thrilled to be part of it. The fun, friendly giving people can't wait for next year.
