Celebrated comedian and actress’ personal journey inspires efforts to support foster care programs, raise $200,000 and honor National Foster Care Awareness Month with Guest DJ Paris Hilton and celebrity guests supporting the cause.
Los Angeles, California, March 24, 2023 – Tiffany Haddish, the acclaimed American actress, comedian, and author, hosted the First Annual “Adult Prom Gala – A Night Under The Stars”, organized by her She Ready Foundation, at The Beehive by SoLa Impact Campus in Los Angeles on Friday, May 19, 2023. The event not only raised over $200,000 for foster youth programs but also shed light on the hardships faced by foster youth and the vital role of the She Ready Foundation in their lives.
Tiffany Haddish’s own experience as a foster youth, moving from house to house with her belongings in trash bags and facing homelessness upon aging out of foster care, serves as the driving force behind her commitment to making a difference in the lives of foster youth. Haddish’s journey from foster care to Hollywood success is a testament to the resilience and strength foster youth possess. Through her foundation, she is not only giving back but also paving the way for other foster youth to find their own paths to success and fulfillment.
The evening commenced with Executive Director Dr. Thyonne Gordon addressing the audience, shedding light on foster care statistics and emphasizing the importance of supporting foster youth. She Ready Foundation Interns Aaminah Parker and Nathaniel Patterson shared their personal stories, highlighting the positive impact of the foundation’s programs on their lives. Former National Baseball League athlete Micah Johnson’s team presented limited edition Beats by Dre headsets to the youth and announced a partnership with the foundation to distribute backpacks and supplies at the start of the school year.
The She Ready Foundation honored esteemed individuals for their remarkable contributions and triumphs. Dr. George C. Fraser, a highly accomplished 78-year-old entrepreneur and speaker, was presented with the Legacy Connection Award. American businesswoman and artist Lisa Frank received the Inspiration Award, which was accepted on her behalf by her son Forest Green. Culture critic and social media personality Jason Lee was bestowed with the She Ready Foundation Hero Award.
The honorees were recognized for their outstanding work and were presented with prestigious awards, including certificates of honor from Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass and Council Districts 8, 9, and 10, as well as custom-created vases from the nonprofit organization, Piece by Piece.
The event’s live auction, led by Subyn Novelle, showcased exciting items and experiences. Actor/comedian Lil Rel Howery won an Ashanti Kingdom package, while Jimmy Kimmel secured the highest bid for a painting created by Tiffany Haddish herself during her first date with her former boyfriend, Common. The auction also featured a tour of Jay Leno’s garage and two sets of dinners for six with Tiffany Haddish, among other thrilling offerings.
Tiffany Haddish’s tireless efforts and personal connection to the cause have resonated deeply with supporters and attendees of the First Annual Adult Prom Gala. Haddish’s authenticity and unwavering commitment to making a difference have inspired others to join her in the fight for foster youth. Haddish’s infectious energy and genuine passion for the cause resonated throughout the evening, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impact.
Some of the biggest supporters of the cause who enlivened the night and pledged live donations were premiere Stand Up Comedian Jo Koy, “Party Animal” comedian Bert Kreischer, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, and Businessman and new comedian Andrew Segal among others.
Also in attendance were renowned individuals such as Olympic Gold Medalist 1984 Al Joiner, actor/choreographer Columbus Short, 2024 U.S. Republican Presidential candidate Barak Zilberberg, The Underground Railroad’s Emmy-nominated Mychal-Bella Rayne Bowman, The Daily Show’s Dulcé Sloan, Get Out actor/comedian Lil Rel Howery, Wednesday’s Child Christine Devine, Real Husbands of Hollywood’s creator/writer /producer/comedian Chris Spencer, and L.A.’s Finest’s Duane Martin were some of the celebrity supporters of the event.
By organizing this memorable gala during National Foster Care Awareness Month, Tiffany Haddish, the She Ready Foundation and this star-studded event served as a beacon of hope, raising significant funds and creating awareness about the challenges faced by foster youth. It featured heartfelt speeches, acknowledgment of youth interns, awarding of honorees, captivating performances, an exhilarating live auction, and pledged donation matching by celebrity guests, and captivating live performances from American R&B artist Mario, Snoop Dogg and Celebrity Guest DJ Paris Hilton.
The First Annual Adult Prom Gala serves as a powerful reminder that foster youth deserve a chance to thrive and succeed. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to come together and create lasting change within the foster care system. The She Ready Foundation, under the leadership of Tiffany Haddish and Executive Director Dr. Thyonne Gordon, remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for foster youth, providing them with the support they need to overcome adversity and realize their full potential.
The evening’s success reflects the unwavering dedication of Haddish and her supporters to creating a brighter future for these deserving young individuals and is a poignant tribute to Haddish’s personal journey and a celebration of foster care awareness.
The success of the gala would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors and contributors. Organizations such as UTA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Kovert Creative, Boxer Property, JSSK, Afro Unicorn, Lakers Foundation, and Belse Wines played instrumental roles in ensuring the event’s success. Their dedication to the cause and belief in the transformative power of the She Ready Foundation’s programs and initiatives have made a significant impact on the lives of foster youth.
In-kind donations include Coca-Cola, Smart Water, Neft Vodka, EstateX, CMT Solution, Ashanti Kingdom, Jay Leno, Patrick Jones Gallery, Aaron Stansberry, Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, LA Sentinel, Inner City Arts, Elevate Tequila, and The Los Angeles Tribune. Together, these donors helped make all things possible for the organization and execution of such a fine event.
As the First Annual Adult Prom Gala comes to a close, its impact will continue to reverberate through the lives of foster youth and the communities that support them. Through the dedication and unwavering commitment of Tiffany Haddish and the She Ready Foundation, the future looks brighter for foster youth, and the world stands ready to support their dreams.
For more information about the She Ready Foundation and how to get involved, please visit SheReadyFoundation.org or follow them @SheReadyFoundationIG @SheReadyFoundationFB
About Tiffany Haddish
Tiffany Haddish is an American actress, comedian, producer and author who rose to prominence for her roles in films such as “Girls Trip” and her captivating comedic performances. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Haddish’s personal journey through foster care has fueled her commitment to making a difference in the lives of foster youth.
Her She Ready Foundation focuses on providing support, resources, and opportunities to empower foster youth to overcome adversity and thrive. Haddish’s dedication to philanthropy and advocacy has garnered her widespread recognition and admiration as a beacon of hope for foster youth across the nation.
About The She Ready Foundation
The She Ready Foundation‘s work extends beyond the glitz and glamour of a prom gala. It is about providing hope, dignity, and opportunity to foster youth who have often faced unimaginable challenges. With every suitcase given, every scholarship awarded, and every voice amplified, the foundation is making a lasting impact on the lives of foster youth across the nation.
As the She Ready Foundation continues its mission, it remains a beacon of hope for foster youth, providing them with the necessary support, resources, and opportunities they deserve. No longer defined by their past circumstances, foster youth are given a chance to rewrite their stories and build a brighter future.
The She Ready Foundation collaborates with organizations like Children Youth and Family Collaborative (CYFC), offering high school tutoring and support to foster youth throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Scholarships providing housing, counseling, and other essential resources are given to help foster youth navigate the challenges of adulthood.
The foundation’s internship program, in partnership with Kids in The Spotlight, offers foster youth an opportunity to explore the entertainment industry. By immersing them in a supportive and creative environment, the program equips them with skills and experiences that pave the way for successful careers. The youth’s accomplishments in the industry exemplify the transformative power of such initiatives.
Advocacy forms a vital aspect of the She Ready Foundation’s mission. Tiffany Haddish and her team actively fight for foster youth to have access to safe and nurturing homes beyond the age of 18. With Haddish as their spokesperson, the foundation strives to amplify the voices of foster youth and bring attention to their needs on a national level, with the ultimate goal of advocating for change within the foster care system.
About The Prom Gala – A Night Under The Stars
On a magical evening filled with elegance and inspiration, the She Ready Foundation hosted the remarkable “Prom Gala – A Night Under the Stars.” This extraordinary event, executive produced by Dr. Thyonne Gordon, the Executive Director of She Ready Foundation, and Casey Thomas, project manager, and executive producer, brought together a talented team including associate producers Allayah Beamon and Curtisha Thomas, in collaboration with She Ready Foundation board members, and stunning décor by Pink Bliss Events.
The First Annual Adult Prom Gala was a true spectacle, capturing the essence of a prom night while also serving a meaningful cause. The event featured eight different step and repeat areas adorned with red and blue carpets, exquisitely designed backdrops with balloons, captivating PROM letters, and enchanting lighting creating an immersive experience that left attendees in awe.
Guests were treated to an array of entertainment options throughout the night. Three photo booth locations, equipped with two 360-degree video cams, offered a fun and interactive way for attendees to capture memories of the evening.
The Prom Gala also featured four bars, each serving a variety of beverages, including a bookshelf filled with champagne and wine glasses and a bowl of self-serve champagne, ensuring that guests could toast to the occasion in style.
Adding a touch of whimsy and enchantment, an Afro unicorn party setting corner brought a sense of magic and fantasy to the event.
The LED lighters dance floor illuminated the night, providing the perfect backdrop for attendees to showcase their moves.
On the grand stage, adorned with the best of lights and sounds, DJ G-Mix and Guest DJ Paris Hilton set the tone for an unforgettable night of music and celebration.
Tiffany Haddish, the visionary behind the Prom Gala, expressed her heartfelt intention behind the event, stating, “I know so many adults in the business that never got to go to Prom, so I wanted to give them a chance to act like teenagers and go to prom for a meaningful cause.” True to her words, Tiffany Haddish, along with the dedicated producers and the She Ready Foundation, delivered an evening that exceeded all expectations.
As the curtains closed on this unforgettable evening, it served as a reminder of the transformative power of unity, celebration, and the collective effort to create a brighter future for foster youth. The Prom Gala – A Night Under the Stars will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all who attended, standing as a testament to the extraordinary work of the She Ready Foundation and their unwavering dedication to making a difference.
The Prom Gala – A Night Under the Stars was a testament to the power of celebration and philanthropy coming together. Not only did attendees have the opportunity to relive the joy of prom night, but their presence and support also contributed to the meaningful cause championed by the She Ready Foundation. This extraordinary event raised crucial funds to support foster youth, highlighting the unwavering commitment of Tiffany Haddish and her foundation to make a positive impact in the lives of those who have experienced the foster care system.
As May is recognized as National Foster Care Awareness Month, the First Annual Adult Prom Gala stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, resilience, and community support. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the She Ready Foundation but also ignited a collective passion to uplift foster youth and create a brighter future for them.
For more information about the She Ready Foundation and to join their mission of empowering foster youth, please visit SheReadyFoundation.org or follow them @SheReadyFoundationIG @SheReadyFoundationFB
About The Celebrity Guest Performers
Celebrity Guest DJ Paris Hilton
Celebrity DJ Paris Hilton graced the stage at the Prom Gala – A Night Under the Stars, showcasing her unparalleled talent for mixing dance music and beats that left the guests in awe. With her expert skills and infectious energy, Paris Hilton took the atmosphere to new heights, captivating the audience with her seamless transitions and electrifying remixes. Her dynamic performance added an extra layer of excitement and glamour to the event, ensuring that the dance floor remained packed and the party atmosphere was elevated to new heights. Paris Hilton’s presence and exceptional DJing skills undoubtedly wowed the guests, making her a standout highlight of the unforgettable evening.
R&B Artist Mario
R&B artist Mario set the stage on fire at the Prom Gala – A Night Under the Stars, delivering a heartfelt tribute to Tiffany Haddish for her generous work and the lives she has impacted. With his soulful voice resonating through the venue, Mario captivated the audience with his acapella rendition of his famous hit song “Let Me Love You.” As Tiffany Haddish gracefully danced to the enchanting melody, the crowd joined in unison, their voices blending harmoniously with Mario’s powerful vocals. The electrifying experience created an unforgettable moment, showcasing Mario’s exceptional talent as he effortlessly showcased his vocal range and skill, even without the accompaniment of music. It was a truly captivating performance that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
About The Inner City Kids Arts Featured At The Prom Gala
Be First to Comment