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AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: Apollo Theater Spring Gala

By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor

(June 19, 2008)

1,200 Revelers Attend Apollo Theater’s Fourth Annual Spring Benefit That Raises $1.2 Million; Legendary artist Smokey Robinson Inducted Into Apollo Hall Of Fame by Valerie Simpson & Nick Ashford; Pauletta & Denzel Washington Received Coveted Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Arts & Humanitarian Award from special guest Janet Jackson

*Harlem, NY-- The ultimate swank soiree credit goes to the Apollo Theater’s fourth annual spring benefit because it was indeed the hottest ticket in town and partygoers are still looking for their party shoes left behind in the Apollo Supper Club long after the last record was spun by hot DJ D-Nice on Monday, June 2 on 125th Street in Harlem.

Hosted by Wanda Sykes, the evening got off to a classy start with a recital by Apollo Stars of Tomorrow, JoSunJari, and their superb strings performance. The highly anticipated party of the season – for a reason -- raised an impressive $1.2 million meeting the financial goal for The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.’s renovation fund.

A highlight of the moving program was the induction of soulful icon Smokey Robinson into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame by Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson.

Another high point was a special surprise appearance by superstar Janet Jackson to present the Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Arts & Humanitarian Award to her friends Pauletta & Denzel Washington who were visibly shaken by the honor and her presence.

In addition, the coveted corporate award was presented to Verizon and accepted on its behalf by Monica F. Azare, senior vice president, public policy & external affairs, Verizon New York and Connecticut.

Beautiful benefit co-chairs Alicia Riley Bythewood and Yolanda Ferrell-Brown joined Jonelle Procope, president & CEO, The Apollo Foundation, Inc., on stage to thank everyone for their generous support including event sponsors Time Warner Cable, American Airlines, Belvedere Vodka, Coca-Cola, Empire Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Hearst Corporation and Skadden Arps, TV One, Moet Hennessy USA, HSBC, BET, Viacom, WaMu and many more.

During the stellar evening, India.Arie and Nnenna Freelon performed magnificent special tributes to the evening’s honorees. But it was the inimitable Earth, Wind & Fire who blew the tiles off of the roof. It’s a good thing the Foundation left the roof work until last because EW&F had the jump jumpin!

At show’s end, guests resumed their dance on at the Supper Club tent behind the theater where they enjoyed butlered drinks and morsels of delights, an open bar, and a wonderful menu comprised of recipes created by Alexander Smalls for Great Performances.

One of the many sensational people at the bash was CNN’s Roland Martin who was ganged by women and men alike who just wanted to shake the hand of the man who stands for Barack Obama against all odds. Martin was given rock star treatment. “We’re going all the way,” exclaimed the talking head.

As guests swaggered out of the club to pulsating music, they were gifted with terrific swag bags -- and a fabulous time was had by all! (Photos: Shahar Azran, Margot Jordan & Ronnie Wright)