Apr 23
0

Face of Two Nations

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

When I turned on my computer to settle into work, the morning of April 21st, I was not expecting to see such a familiar face. Pictures of a man were plastered on every news website. He held the US flag over his back, had a halo made of golden leaves placed on his head and looked to be praising the heavens. Tears sprang to my eyes because I truly felt as though I knew this man, from nothing more than his face. Then I saw his name and everything made sense, the man was Eritrean and the photos taken were of him crossing the Boston Marathon line. His face was so familiar because he shares the same native homeland as that of my parents and the blood that runs through my veins. People belonging to the Habesha community have a very distinct look, which is why, when I saw Meb Keflezighi, I thought I was looking into the face of one of my uncles or a friend’s father. His face ever etched with features I grew up around.
Apparently I wasn’t the only one filled with pride. My Facebook and Twitter timeline’s were filled with congrats for Meb on his victory! I wasn’t shocked, Eritrean’s rush to the aid of others in help as well as to celebrate in any victory. In our minds we are all one. But as I looked at my timeline the posts and tweets were only from my fellow Habesha friends. None of my Caucasian or Asian or even fellow African’s of other countries was showing praise, just the Eritreans. I followed suit, I gave a great shout out to Meb and to the winner of the ladies: Rita Jeptoo of Kenya. My victory was short lived. I had called Meb an Eritrean American and said that it was a great day to be East African and a friend of mine commented and said something so ignorant that I had no choice but to speak up. He generalized the win as a win for Africa and that “my boys” were known to be great runners. Um, I don’t represent the continent of Africa. When I pointed this out he remarked that I had mentioned Kenya as well. We went back and forth until finally he said I should be proud and that technically Meb was American so it was a victory for everyone. I scratched my head when I read that. When did I argue that he wasn’t? In fact I said Eritrean American; it was he that decided to make it about Africa in general. My mind reeled as the events that took place kept replaying in my head. I started to really take a look at responses to posts and I realized that we have a tendency, in this country, to support or claim when it’s convenient. I was in no way, shape or form, taking away from the fact that Meb was an American citizen; I just asked that we acknowledge the fact that he is both American and Eritrean. He embraces both sides to him so why couldn’t we? Don’t belittle others victories. Embracing both sides of who a person is doesn’t take away but instead adds.
I’ll leave you with this last thought: would the nation be as quick to claim Meb (or someone like him) if he had done something negative or would we then begin to categorize them everything else but American? Puts a great deal into perspective.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

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Xo, B

Mar 24
0

First Timer at SXSW

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SXSW has been around since 1987 and yet I’d never really heard of it, let alone dreamt of ever going. But if my life has taught me anything in the past 4 months, it’s to expect the unexpected! In a New Year filled with events from Sundance to All-Star Weekend, SXSW shouldn’t have caught me off guard, but it had. I’d no idea how vast it was. So as we departed for Austin, thoughts of being in the south and what awaited us swirled in my head. I’m one who shouldn’t be left alone in her thinking too much; I have a tendency to imagine the most bizarre scenarios, especially in unknown territory.
Fortunately for me, everything I thought was wrong. Austin is an amazing city. On the verge of being one of the hippest cities in the U.S. it’s very reminiscent of an early New York City. People of all walks of life living and working together in harmony; surrounded by rural suburbs on one side & Lake Houses on the other, the industrious downtown was filled with boutiques, music shops, restaurants (serving the best in fusion dishes), and of course, the birthplace to the hottest festival.
Each day we experienced one more reason Austin was such a great city. On one of our last nights in Austin we met, Earl. Earl was a native New Yorker who decided to move to Austin in 2012 with his business partner. When I asked him why the move, he explained to me how Austin was the number one city, per capita, where start up business are successful. When he and his partner heard this, they moved to New York and haven’t looked back since. He went on to explain that besides the positive effect on business he’s received, he’s just become the latest victim to fall hopelessly in love with Austin.
As for the festival itself?! Oh man, for a week people went without sleep to catch the hottest acts today! What was once considered an indie festival has now turned into one of the biggest mainstream festivals. Kanye and Jay-Z sharing the stage for a free concert! Janelle Monae! Lady Gaga even had a fan throw up on her, which is……a topic for another blog….the point is A-listers came to Austin and turned it up!
We left exhausted, stimulated, and excited for what SXSW will bring next year! This first timer was left wanting more.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Mar 10
0

And the Oscar goes to…..

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

My favorite season has come and gone but like always, it has left me with excitement and renewed my sense of purpose. In a night where the best of the best are chosen by their peers, this night is the biggest in cinematic history. I’m talking about the Oscars!
The Oscars have always held a special place in my heart. From the time I can remember Oscar Sunday was the most important day in my life. I’d make snacks, dress up in a fancy gown, invite everyone over (and even have a faux red carpet). It was great!! My parents indulged me because they understood how important this night was to me.
The Academy Awards are about more than just a celebration of the year’s biggest films. They were the wave of the future. In a time where African American’s weren’t even allowed to sit with white people the Academy not only recognized their first African American with an award but allowed for that star to be present. I’m talking of course of Hattie McDaniel.
While it’s true that Ms. McDaniel still sat in the segregated section at the 1940’s award show, she still made history that night by winning. She faced backlash, unfortunately, for the role in which she won. But I believe she responded to her critics best when she said, “Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one.”
Another Oscar year that I cherish was the 1999 Oscars when Roberto Benigni won for best Foreign Film and went absolutely nuts! He won for the film “Life Is Beautiful”, a film about a father determined to shield his son from the horrors of being in a concentration camp.
Even the Muppets have had many a cameo at these prestigious awards. Miss Piggy!? Ahhhhh!
Even more recently, the number of African’s really making their mark and getting noticed by Hollywood. A new found favorite is the beautiful and flawless Ms. Lupita Nyong’o. I beam extra hard when I think of her win. It shows me that opportunities for me are endless and that I too can accomplish anything and everything I want with dedication, hard work, and a dream.
I could go on and on about the moments that have meant something to me but we’d be here all night. I just want to close out by quoting the gracious Ms. Nyong’o:
“It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s.”

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Feb 24
0

New Orleans, Still Classy

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Infomation, Uncategorized | No Comments

Next year marks the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; the storm that stole 1,833 souls. I had the pleasure of visiting New Orleans pre-Katrina, and just recently, post. I have to say that New Orleans did not lose its charm and instead maintained her classy, ever gracious self. In a city where one can wander the streets with alcoholic beverages in their hand, one may think the city is reminiscent to a modern day Gomorrah, but instead you find yourself amongst the friendly folks. Filled with southern hospitality and a great appreciation for life, the citizens of this city went above and beyond to make me and my associates feel at home.
The general public is from all walks of life. Folks of New Orleans aren’t known because of their outer appearance, but by the way they treat you. Men, women, black, white, foreign and native alike all held one thing; they were courteous, and full of life. They didn’t treat you as if you were a visitor in the city but more like family they’ve known for ages. What some may have found abrupt, I saw as a group of people breaking down the barrier of tourists versus locals. One felt at home everywhere they went.
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The history etched in the city is what makes it so majestic. Plaques of the Spanish officials the streets are named after, jazz bands playing in the streets, the buildings untouched on the outside, and the smells of classic creole and southern dishes wafting through the streets make you feel like if you closed your eyes you could be walking the streets when New Orleans was first becoming what it’s now known for today.
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The food was glorious! I think I had grits with every meal. Having grown up in the south, I’ve always been a fan of good ol’ fashioned southern style dishes, and the delicacies I tasted were simply out of this world. Simple dishes were given a twist, classic dishes were fused with new world flavor, and some dishes were served in paper bags as they had been for the past 50 years. No matter what your taste preference is, you were guaranteed to find something that would not only taste great but would also blow you away. And the freshness in their sea food can’t be compared to anything else! A dish that is common to New Orleans was Alligator. Alligator was a common find on every menu we came across. What I thought was a rare food was being ordered left and right with no surprise but as if the most common fare ever. I’ll admit I wasn’t brave enough to try the Alligator but I did understand just how popular a dish it is.
All in all, New Orleans captured my heart. I left a little bit of it there and plan to return shortly to not only get it back but fill it with even more love for that wonderful city.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Feb 07
0

Madiba Still on my mind….

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Infomation, Uncategorized | No Comments

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” –Nelson Mandela
As we start off a New Year, many of us will reflect on this past year and the mistakes, blessings, trials, tribulations, and mercy we found. Unfortunately, December was a month of tribulations for me. In a month where the world celebrates the birth of Christ, I found myself mourning His sons. By Christmas day I found the wounds just starting to heal. I sought refuge and found it in the most beautiful place; in the words of Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Mandela was a giant among men. He fought for the equality of all. A look back at his life, one can see that Mandela was who he was because of the amount of courage and faith he had. He knew the journey he was going to embark on would most likely end with his imprisonment or death, but he didn’t let that stop him. He chose to accept his fate and battle the struggles facing his people head on; prepared for death.

I started to dissect who Mandela was. A person of flesh and blood as I am, Mandela possessed no extraordinary powers, just a belief in a free world. That belief was enough to send him on a full blown life campaign to ensure that he, his children, and his fellow countrymen, live as they were born; free.

I now find myself seeking to find my belief. To be the change I want to see in this ever evolving world. Although I can only hope to accomplish a tenth of what Mr. Mandela accomplished, I have set a New Year’s mission. To be vocal. To fight for the causes that matter the most to me. I only pray I do it with the same style and unselfish grace as Madiba. One can hope no?

In a world where Superhero’s have become a staple, I find that they do in fact exist, just not as we’ve always envisioned them. They are men and women who walk among us in broad daylight sheathed with nothing more than courage and a belief.

Our recent trip to Sundance gave us the extreme honor and pleasure of meeting Madiba’s grandson Kweku Mandela. He is truly his Grandfather’s spirit, so humble and very much about the fight for humanity and equality. A highlight in my life and a great joy considering I will never be able to personally meet Madiba.

Mandela was released from prison at the age of 72. Let his life be testament that one should never give up on what matters, and that you can make a difference at any age. He is the epitome of a superhero.

“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” –Nelson Mandela. I can confidently say Madiba’s beautiful soul has found absolute peace.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Dec 29
0

Propaganda at Christmas? Sad yet true.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

With Thanksgiving just ended we are in the full fledge countdown to Christmas. With this comes lights, tree trimming, Egg Nog, cooler weather and of course those Christmas carols. I have always looked forward to the carols. They are absolutely my favorite part of the season. I’ve even been guilty of listening to my Christmas Pandora stations, in the spring and summer months.

Traditional, contemporary, secular and religious, it doesn’t matter; I love Christmas carols. That is, all but one. This particular song was written in the 1980’s, and every year I have to endure hearing it, I get this feeling of rage in the depths of my soul. It literally has the opposite effect on me than intended. The dreadful song? “Do They Know Its Christmas?” The song is downright offensive. It strikes nearer to me than most because I am African and the song comes off as propaganda rather than a cause. The following lines in particular are what hock me off the most:
♬ Well, tonight, thank God, it’s them,
Instead of you
And there won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time,
The greatest gift they’ll get this year is life,
Where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?♬
My understanding is that this idiotic song was written during a 2 year famine in Ethiopia. The hope was to bring awareness & raise money for the cause. Sounds honorable enough, right? First rule to being honorable: be as sensitive to the people as you are the cause, otherwise, it’s a gimmick.

1. The bit about thanking God it’s them instead of you? While I can understand where they might have been trying to say with this line, at the end of the day it’s what you write that matters. And this? Insensitive.

2. Snow is NOT an indication that Christmas is here. Hello? LA.

3. Ethiopia is a country, Africa a continent. A famine in one part of a continent does not stop growth and running rivers in another. Does a drought in Kentucky stop trees from growing in Canada? Been to Africa, trust me, shit’s growing beautifully.

4. I believe the greatest gift anyone ever gets is their life. Next?

I mean the use of “logic” in this song is ridiculous. There actually is none. But to answer the question “Band Aid”, yes, those that celebrate do in fact know its Christmas time.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Nov 05
0

Bethlehem in the City…

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

Ex·tro·vert

Noun

  1. an outgoing, overtly expressive person.

If you would have asked me six years ago, whether or not I considered myself an extrovert or introvert  it would have taken me .3 seconds to shout EXTROVERT from the tops of my lungs. Making a point, you know? Lately, though, I’ve had to really think about what I consider myself now days. As I scanned my brain for examples, I sadly started to accept that maybe I’d turned into an introvert over the years, and that thought bothered me.  For years I was known as the loud, rambunctious, girl who never knew when to SHUT UP! Teachers would always start parent-teacher conferences with “Bethlehem is a bright young lady but she has a tendency to talk, a lot.” One teacher, Mr. Doval, went as far as to say that I had “oral diarrhea”. Gross.

My parents would berate me for being so talkative but also beamed at the thought of me being a lawyer, because God knows; with a mouth like mine I could only be destined for big law talk. Please. I always knew what I wanted and where I wanted my so-called big mouth to take me. So when I moved to Los Angeles, and realized that talking to folks didn’t quite hold the same meaning as it did in Minneapolis, I started to hold back from talking to anyone; to the point that I just gave up talking to anyone at all. My journey was leading me into a downward spiral of being an anti-social bitch in the most awful way. I allowed myself to be bitter, to hold off on the quips and repartees that used to easily flow from my soul.

I blamed LA. This city with its unrealistic standards on beauty and the vanity, but this is LA, and I knew that coming in. Suddenly, I realized what the core source of this new found behavior had been. Me. I had allowed Los Angeles and all the intimidating factors it held stop me from being who I once was. No one stopped me. No one questioned me, yet I allowed it. Why? I didn’t understand it, but I had had enough! I wanted to break free from this introverted bitter bind that I now found myself in. So I started to let the guard that had crept up come down, I found myself talking to strangers more, being a lot more freeing with my thoughts and feelings and it felt great! Unfortunately, the bitchy part stayed. Guess that was always there 😉

It wasn’t easy, by any means, and I still have a ways to go but I’m finally starting to feel like I belong in this city and not like I just live here. The hunger that has risen while the shyness has diminished is reminiscent to that of me at 12 and that is the driving force for pushing through this city. It’s tough, I won’t lie but I’m not afraid anymore, and THAT is grand!

~ 11/5/13 Bethlehem Awate (aka: Baby Jade)

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Oct 24
0

You’ll Always Find Your W-A-Y…

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

As the intercom turns on and I hear the voice of the Captain telling us we’re getting ready to land, my heart does a series of summersaults. This is it. In 30 minutes we would be landing in the city of Angels. I was embarking on the biggest, life changing adventure and all I could think about was “Hope there’s a Target nearby.”

The decision to move was fueled 60% the entertainment industry, 25% a chance to establish my independence, and 15% rebellion. Having always been “the good child” I knew that moving to Los Angeles defied my folks’ wish for me to graduate college, find a good Eritrean husband, and produce as many children as was humanly possible. Every girls dream right? Wrong! I craved more!! I wanted to run the world, I wanted to eat life, I wanted to explore a new city, but mostly I wanted to entertain! I figured everything could be accomplished if I just achieved that last goal. So, I rented an apartment online, bought a one way ticket, kissed everyone goodbye and left.  I felt energized! I felt empowered! I felt invincible! The feeling was so great and lasted me most of my flight. I’m brought back to reality as the intercom once again goes off and the Captain informs us it’s a crisp 65 degrees in LA that night.

As with anything, being in LA was about finding my placement. It was rough in the beginning, I felt I had to shed the Minnesota nice and put on a tougher shield. The unbalance was eating away at my soul and causing me to be the worst version of myself I’d ever seen. Moving back home seemed like the only way to rectify my situation. I was working retail, I didn’t have a car, I lived 3 in a 2-bedroom to save on rent…nothing was adding up. I was just about to give up when one day I saw it! A Warner Bros. production truck pulled into a side street. I looked ahead and what I saw lit me up like a child at Disneyland (the other plus to So. Cal), cameras, lights, wires or every shape and size, and so many people! I had walked right onto a filming location. I sat in awe as I saw the director call “action” and everyone but the actors were silent as the grave. The scene went on without a hitch and as the director yelled “cut” and the people around me started bustling to prepare for their next scene, I was reminded. Reminded why I moved to Los Angeles, reminded where my passion lied, reminded who I was just 2 years before.

I am now coming up on my 5 year anniversary. Moving to LA was the best wor

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehemawate
Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

st decision I have ever made. Here’s to another 5 years: salute!!

More Baby Jade (aka: Bethlehem Awate) on the way…

 

Sep 30
0

Baby Bean’s FALL Five…

By | Jade's Top Ten | No Comments

Once upon a Jaded Gem, a baby bean was discovered…

After another epic summer in SoCal had passed and with the onset of fall, not only had the colors of the leaves begun to change but so did this Jaded Gem’s everyday products. So into the 2nd trimester she traveled and into the trash went a lot of her favorite finds. Waving goodbye to jarred miracles that worked wonders for wrinkles, stemmed supplemental smiles, sparked sprinkles that smoothed crinkles, and got her glowing from all the goo…nothing short of heaven in a pump or pill form. So somewhere between the die-hard beauty devotee and ECO baby’s eruption, this mama bear in the making saw the extra sheen in green!

Dr. Hauschka Serum1) Dr. Hauschka’s Regenerating Serum is not only a Martha Stewart MUST HAVE but a mama MUST HAVE as well.This activating serum firms mature skin, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrating quince seed extract joins extracts of revitalizing kalanchoe and organic clover blossom honey to support the skin’s natural functions of renewal. Smells delightful and makes skin silky smooth! Celebrity fans of the line include Jennifer Aniston, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elle Macpherson, Julia Roberts, and Rebecca Romijn.  www.shopHauschka.com       $85.00

Andalou Moisturizer2) Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer

Naturals Advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible, clarifying results. Perfect for active skin types, humid conditions, and when skin needs lightweight hydration. This quenching and mattifying gel-cream, with Fruit Stem Cell Complex, Acai berry, and white tea, provides a potent portfolio of antioxidants to slow cellular damage and stimulate healthy cell renewal for a revitalized complexion. This is the perfect moisturizer to pair with hormonally sensitive skin! www.Andalou.com     $24.95

 

3) Vitamin Code® RAW Prenatal by Garden of LifeVitamin Code Prenatals

As a pregnant woman, you want only the best for your unborn baby. Specifically designed to meet the unique needs of women during pre-conception, pregnancy, and lactation, Vitamin Code RAW Prenatal is raw, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free. Vitamin Code RAW contain clinically studied probiotics that not only enhance the immune systems of mothers, but that of their babies as well. During pregnancy, blood volume can increase up to 50%, increasing iron requirements and causing the heart to work harder to support the developing child’s needs. Vitamin Code RAW supports heart health and blood health with raw food-created iron, vitamins C, E, and B-Complex, plus folate. And the best reason for choosing these prenatals is the fact they contains ginger for morning sickness! Did you know Ginger has been traditionally used for generations to ease the common digestive discomforts typically associated with being pregnant?  www.GardenOfLife.com     $28.81

Zoya Nail Polish4) With Zoya you can be beautiful and safe. Zoya makes the world’s longest wearing natural nail polish and nail care treatments. Zoya has said NO to DBP, toluene, formaldehyde, toxic, and carcinogenic ingredients for over 10 years. In 2007 camphor, which often causes allergic reactions, was removed from all Zoya products as well in order to maintain the healthiest formula possible. 100% TOXIN free & 100% pregnancy safe!  www.Zoya.com    $8

 

5) Toms of Maine Peppermint Clean & Gentle Tom's Clean & Gentle ToothpasteFloride Toothpaste leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh without SLS. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) foams and disperses ingredients, but some consumers want toothpaste without SLS. This formula uses glycyrrhizin (derived from licorice root) instead of SLS. Plus, we use naturally sourced fluoride for cavity prevention, and natural flavor oils for fresh breath. Toms toothpaste also receives the American Dental Association’s stamp of approval, too! www.tomsofmainestore.com     $5

As Baby Bean continued to grow in size and our Jaded Gem could relax knowing she’d cast a safety spell over her beauty buzz, the world of what she knew worked and collided with the glowing goodness of green. Call it a hormone haze or insane in the mommy brain, these products are proof that nature still knocks!

The End….

May 06
0

Women’s Campaign International “Spring to Make a Difference” West Coast Fundraiser

By | Press Releases | No Comments

For Immediate Release:

“Spring to Make a Difference” Marks Another Fundraising Success for Women’s Campaign International and Their First Annual West Coast Event

(April 26, 2013—Beverly Hills, CA) Graciously hosted at the historic Beverly Hills estate of Rodeo Realty owners Syd and Linda Leibovitch, Women’s Campaign International (WCI) kicked off their first annual fundraiser on Sunday, April 21st, 2013. From 2-5pm, guests enjoyed live music from DJ Lamont Pete, singer/songwriter Maddie Miller, Ghana’s international music star Rocky Dawuni, and intimate performance by R&B soul singer John Legend.  While relaxing to poolside sounds, Mexican fare donated on behalf of Poquito Mas, free-flowing margaritas, and Sweet Megan Desserts (GlutenFreeSweetMegan.com) were indulged by all.

“Spring to Make a Difference” attendees included donors and high society; Grammy-winners Macy Gracy, James Ingram, and Omar Akram; politicians such as U.S. Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Marjorie Margolies, and Los Angeles Mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti; Hulk/Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s John Littlefield, Ellen DeGeneres’s DJ/Actor Tony Okungbowa, Chinese Model/Actress Bai Ling, “The Talk” host Sheryl Underwood, NBA Clipper player Matt Barnes and “Basketball Wives” Gloria Govan were amongst many of the celebrities in support of WCI.

Women’s Campaign International received generous donations and winning bids from silent auction items supporting New York Fashion Week experiences with Diane Von Furstenberg and Michael B, Broadway tickets to “Chicago”, 3 night stay aKa New York, Third Street Dance Studio classes, Jay Leno show tickets, drum lessons with John Densmore of the Doors, Bedhead Pjs, Neal Rogers signed guitar, “Lock Your Love” candle and fragrance collection, Daniel Maltzman fine art, VIP tickets to a John Legend concert, Meredith Baer home staging, Fender Squier Stratocaster bullet series, and famous autographed photos, prints, and books.

Supporting sponsors included: I.C.O.N. Professional Hair Products (ICONproducts.com), Calton Nutrition                                (CaltonNutrition.com), Votivo Candles (Votivo.com), Spadaro Perfume (Spadaro.co), Green & Black Organic Chocolate       (GreenAndBlacks.com/us), Competition 101 Racing School  (Competition101.com), Gotham Dream Cars                                      (GothamDreamCars.com), Daniel Gravel Salon (DGSalon.com), Nutiva Hemp Seeds (Nutiva.com), and Beverly Hills Master Crafted 902H0 water (BeverlyWater.com).

Marjorie Margolies, WCI founder and former Pennsylvania Congresswoman, was amazed by the warm hearts and generosity expressed in support of her charity. In response to this past weekend’s success Marjorie stated, “Women’s Campaign International was thrilled to successfully launch our first fundraiser in LA on Sunday. Some 250 interested and passionate LA supporters of women’s leadership around the world joined us in our mission to empower women so they can transform their lives and communities. Long established on the East Coast, WCI is excited to spread its mission to supporters across the country. WCI’s work in more than 40 countries in the last 15 years is just the beginning. It was clear to those who gathered with us on Sunday, GO IT!”

For more information on the Women’s Campaign International or how you can get involved in future events, please contact Jade Umbrella’s Stacey Barker (Stacey@jadeumbrella.com) or Erica Hill (Erica@jadeumbrella.com).

About Women’s Campaign International (WCI): Founded in 1998, WCI’s programs help women find their voices by giving them tangible skills in political leadership, conflict mitigation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. WCI aims to empower women of all ages to transform communities. Working in emerging democracies and post conflict regions around the world, WCI equips women to actively participate in public advocacy, market, and political process. In providing the requisite skills, knowledge and culturally sensitive support, WCI develops leaders globally who transform the lives of everyone they serve. More information on the charity can be found at WomensCampaignInternational.org.

 

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