‘paras griffin photography’

Actress Victoria Rowell Benefit Luncheon

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

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On Sunday, May 1,  I was invited to actress-humantarian and national spokesperson for foster care Victoria Rowell‘s mentoring luncheon. It was held at her husband’s Radcliffe Bailey’s private art studio in Atlanta. The luncheon was absolutely wonderful with catered food and decorations by Tony Brewer.

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The event began with a few songs from the Spelman College Glee Club, then songbirdKenny Lattimore hit the stage, and the ladies loved him. He sang a few spiritual songs, then one of his greatest hits, “For You.”

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After the entertainment, Rowell honored Dr. Lynn Gardner of Hughes Spaulding Children’s Hospital and  Dr. Evelyn Lavizzo of the Carrie Steele-Pitts Home. Both women received awards for making a difference in the community.

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Then the fun began by having a hat show! As the ladies of Spelman College walked the runway, women in the audience bid on the fancy hats. I wanted the vintage looking one with the veil so bad, but this lady kept outbidding me. Arrrgh! The highest bid was for a hat Rowell modeled. It sold for $500. The money raised went to her nonprofit organization, and what a great way to raise money and awareness.

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Artist Radcliffe Bailey and his mom

Following the hat show, we moved to the outdoor patio area where lunch was served. We dined on salmon, salads and desserts with sweet tea and wine. All the guests got to take home a copy of Kenny Lattimore’s CD, Timeless. It was a great afternoon, and I would like to thank Diane Larche for the invitation. Most photos by Paras Griffin and I

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Victoria Rowell’s Niece modeling, I wanted this hat!

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Victoria’s hat she is modeling was the highest bid!

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Kenny Lattimores Cd, Timeless

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Diane Larche and I

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To learn further info about Victoria Rowell’s Foundation, please visit www.rowellfosterchildren.org.

 

19th Annual Trumpet Awards

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

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Xernona Clayton(Founder of Trumpet Awards)

I think I heard trumpets playing this afternoon at the 19th Annual Trumpet Awards! This award show is to honor people in medicine,arts,humanitarian,legal,International, Civil Rights and more!  Lots of people came out in their best attire to support and cheer on these people making a difference in the community.  The red carpet event was hosted by Nicole Ari Parker, her husband Boris Kodjoe and Co-Hosted by Niecy Nash at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

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I had a great time interviewing on the red carpet. I had a chance to chat with Xernona Clayton,Actor Richard Roundtree, Tv Exec Cathy Hughes,Atlanta Housewife Kandi Burruss,Cathy Hughes,Singer Eric Benet, Johnny Gill, Rev.Jesse Jackson and the list goes on and on!

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Cathy Hughes/Tv One/Radio One

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Singer Kelly Price

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Co-Host Niecy Nash

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Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn

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Johnny Gill

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Actress Debi Morgan

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Reality Star Chanita Foster

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Civil Rights Honoree Al Sharpton

The carpet was also filled with great fashion,smiling faces, good spirits and people just wanting to have a great time on this beautiful sunny day in Atlanta. After the carpet we were allowed to get a little peak at the show. There were performances by Angela Bowen,Eric Benet,Silk featuring Angie Stone, Kelly Price,Kandi Buruss and more.  I loved Charlie Wilson’s white suite and rhinestoned hat! He performed, You Are and You Dropped The Bomb On Me. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

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Humanitarian Honoree, Judge Mathis and his wife

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Arts Honoree Richard Roundtree

It felt good to be surrounded with so many positive people and next year will be even bigger because the Trumpet Awards will be celebrating their 20th year! This award show will air on Tv-One April 24th. Thanks to Darnayle Mizrahi for doing my hair and shout out to Bunni Ransom for the invite! Pics by Paras Griffin & Kingsmen Media

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Kenya Moore and I

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11 Alive News Anchor Karyn Greer

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Jamie Foster and I

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New friend and I on the carpet

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www.trumpetfoundation.org

The Bieber has a heart

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

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Bert and Justin Bieber

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This afternoon I attended a press conference at Phillips Arena to hear Justin Bieber and local radio personality Bert (from Q100) talk about stuffing a school bus for a great cause. In the conference Justin talked about people donating new and unused toys outside his concert this evening only. For each toy donated, Georgia’s Own Credit Union will match the donation. All the toys will be given to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Their goal is to give every child admitted in to the hospital a toy for Christmas.

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It was my first time meeting the Bieber and he was very cool! He said he was very  happy to be involved and glad he can help make a change. I found out he was from Canada and moved to Atlanta when he turned 14. He said in the conference that he looked up to Michael Jackson and Usher because both of them were big influencers and givers.

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Fans of Justin Bieber, Jordan, Wallis, Jackie

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Vendors setting up

Outside of Phillips Arena they were setting up for the concert and fans were starting to line up. Inside the bus were rows and rows of toys that were donated and it was about 1/3 full. Justin said he hopes they fill it up and if they run out of room, they will get another bus lol. My daughter almost passed out because I went to see The Bieber but I assured her I would get some great shots for her. He is very handsome in person! Glad to see this young man is starting early showing others that its good to give back! I got to chance to introduce myself to him and he was a gem! Thanks to 360 media for the invite!

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Fans outside of Phillips Arena

Thank you also to Paras Griffin for taking some photos!