The 2nd Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair: Successful Evening of Fashion, Fun and Philanthropy
“Awareness Is Always In Style” tm
Charlotte, NC—December 7, 2010— Men and women from all over the southeast came to celebrate Worlds AIDS Day 2010 in style by rocking their red pumps and red ties for the 2nd Annual Red Pump/ Red Tie Affair presented by JSW Media Group and The Red Pump Project-Charlotte on Dec. 1 at the Historic Palmer Building (2601 East Seventh Street near Uptown Charlotte) with co-hosts media personality T. Strong (Fox News Charlotte, Paper Dolls Radio, StyleMayvin.com) and legendary Hip Hop artist Special Ed. The evening showcased an extraordinary philanthropic event through an awards ceremony, a cooking demo, live entertainment and a fashion show with some of the top emerging independent designers and boutiques in the southeast region.
The night kicked off with the delicious aroma of fresh food and spices permeated the room as Chef Jay, Executive Chef of Chateau Noir, performed a cooking demo during the VIP reception. Guests later enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres from Chateau Noir and desserts which included a “Red Pump” cake prepared by Southern Cake Queen. Smooth jazz and classic R&B by 5th and York electrified the airways as people danced, mixed, mingled and bid during the silent auction. DJ Tequila took over the latter part of the evening spinning the best in soul, contemporary R& B and more. Best selling items in the silent auction included a framed mixed media art piece by Natasha Powell of Edith Grey Designs and one of a kind, custom jewelry by Darrell Roach. One of the most important segments of the evening was the awards ceremony when the 2010 honoree Dee Dee Richardson was given the Red Pump Award for being an outstanding community leader paving the way for HIV/AIDS awareness and education. Richardson serves as the Prevention for Positives Coordinator for Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and is formidable AIDS Activist in the Charlotte community. The emotional award ceremony was preceded by incredible spoken word performances by poet Blaqbaree of Respect The Mic Poetry Slam Team and poet/actor Donald Wilson.
The event concluded with a fashion show of talented designers. The designers included: collections of eco-chic line Amendment Clothing (Charlotte, NC); Nationalities Beauty Firm presented one Atlanta-based Fashion Designer and an online fashion boutique: Fashenelle by Shenelle Evans and Crystyles Boutique. Charlotte-based Oomph Boutique featured the latest in chic contemporary women’s wear. The finale showcased the official Red Pump Project t-shirt line styled by Vaiya Rucker. Hair and make-up sponsors were Lockstar Salon, Patrick Marsh and Katrice Thompkins.
The Red Pump/Red Tie Affair was sponsored by The Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Kim Blanding, Kingdom Development, Inc., The UPS Store (#1247), No Grease Barber Shop, the|FASHION HOUSE, Lockstar Salon, Nationalities Beauty Firm, Intro Matchmakers, The Body Shop. Media partners include: Charlotte Seen, Charlotte STYLE Magazine, Celebrity Power Magazine, DEPR Communications, Metro Proponent News, Yelp Charlotte, Uptown Magazine Charlotte and Wise Magazine. JSW Media Group and The Red Pump Project –Charlotte would also like to thank all of the fabulous silent auction sponsors who helped to make the event so successful. The Red Pump/Red Tie Affair is a signature event for The Red Pump Project (www.theredpumpproject.com) to help further its mission to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls, ensuring that women are empowered with accurate knowledge about HIV/AIDS and the issues surrounding it. One hundred percent of the revenue generated from the 2010 Red Pump/Red Tie Affair will be donated to RAIN for all of the great work they do in our community.
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About The Red Project Collective™
The Red Project Collective™ is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on minority communities (women, people of color, LGBT). Through its’ initiatives, The Red Pump Project™ (aimed at women and girls) and The Red Tie Project™ (aimed at men and boys), The Collective is doing work online and on the ground to motivate action and encourage dialogue about the effects of the disease. To learn more, please visit www.theredpumpproject.com.
About RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network)
RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) offers a holistic approach to care that supports the spiritual, physical, mental, and social wellness of all that are affected by HIV and AIDS. We offer services for consumers such as medical case management, psychosocial support, chaplaincy support, and support groups for young adults; we also offer awareness and educational programs, clergy and congregational resources, and minority programs for the larger community. www.carolinarain.org
About JSW Media Group
JSW Media Group is dedicated to providing the most personalized, professional and creative consultation services. We specialize in assisting individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations with all of their communication, marketing and public relations needs. We are a full service brand management company. www.jswmediagroup.com.
Photo Courtesy of www.mediaartscollective.com
