*Beverly Hills, CA. – The Multicultural International Motion Picture Association (MIMPA), welcomed a star-studded line-up of entertainment and celebrity guest to its 10th Annual Lady in Red Diamond Rose Awards Gala.
MIMPA held the annual affair this year at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, and the event was hosted by Emmy Award Winning Actor/Entertainer of stage, television and film, Obba Babatunde (Miss Evers Boys, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, John Q, Half N Half, The Temptations, Dear White People, CSI, Dreamgirls).
Mr. Babatunde also performed with his band “The Red Hot Four,” opening the show with his magnificent cover of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”
Photo credit: Ian Foxx
In attendance at the invitation only awards gala were legendary Actresses, Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), Beverly Todd (Lean on Me, The Bucket List), Sheila Frazier (Shaft), Actors, Donnell Turner (General Hospital), Rodney Allen Rippy (Six Million Dollar Man, Jack in the Box), Composer HB Barnum, Claudette Robinson (of “Smokey Robinson & The Miracles), former NFL Player with The New York Jets, Walter Briggs, Jr. and so many more.
Also, among the celebrity filled event, were legendary Actress, Judy Pace (Peyton Place, Brian’s Song, Beauty & the Baller) who received MIMPA’s Trailblazer Award; Actress, Kathleen Bradley-Redd (The Price is Right, Friday) received MIMPA’s Pioneer Award, and Motown Producer, Iris Gordy received the Legendary Producer Award.
Other honorees included internationally renown Composer Mirjana Anastasijevic, who also gave the crowd an impromptu performance after receiving her award. Elisha Valentine took home the Education Award, while Lisa Sanfilippo received MIMPA’s Humanitarian Award.
The Community Service Award went to Candidate for Supervisor of Los Angeles’ 2nd District, The Honorable Jan Perry and the Entertainment Media Award was given to Celebrity Journalist Sharon Doyle. Lauryn Hunter received MIMPA’s Health Award, and Shelly Rufin was honored with a Community Service Award.
Jazz/Pop/Rock Violinist Lovely Previn aka Alicia Previn performed at the event. Miss Previn has toured the world with her song stylings on her electric violin and she has appeared with bands “In Tua Nua,” “The Young Dubliners” and “The Hothouse Flowers.”
Carmelita Pittman, who toured with the legendary James Brown, was a featured guest artist. Elegant Carmelita performed “La Vie En Rose,” which is known as Lady in Red’s anthem. Mrs. Pittman is a renown Vocalist “Rosebud” recording artist and Founder of The Rose Breast Cancer Society. Up and coming teen YouTube sensation Gabriela Warren was also a crowd pleaser.
“It was like a big giant Valentine Card, a truly magical night;” described one guest. “We were overwhelmed by the love in the room, and it was contagious;” stated Gail Gibson, President of MIMPA.“ Our goal was to encourage, inspire and honor these 10 phenomenal women, while raising funds for the fight against homelessness;” said Gibson.
MIMPA’s 10th Annual Lady in Red Gala was sponsored in part by The Sanfilippo Foundation, Acceptance Recovery, Theoria Technical College, Fund Duel, Miss Jessie’s Haircare and Myloveablelegs.com, to benefit Shelter Partnership, Inc. a 5013(c) that provides goods and services to the homeless of Los Angeles county.
For more information The Multicultural International Motion Picture Association visit: www.mimpa.org, or contact [email protected] or visit www.gibsonpublicrelations.com Phone: (323) 799-6266.
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