High Desert Pearls to Host Black Tie Sneaker Gala Fundraiser to Aid Children and Families

The High Desert Pearls, an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will host its inaugural fundraising event, September 30, at the Dolphin Estates, 20365 Rancherias Road, Apple Valley, CA. “A Night Under The Stars, A Black Tie Sneaker Gala,” begins at 6 p.m., with food, networking and fun. In addition to raising funds to support the group’s community service programs, during the gala the HDP will honor six notable community servants for their incomparable contributions.

The evening will feature a jazz band, a silent auction, and ends with a DJ playing a variety of chart-topping songs as guests—dressed in formal attire and their favorite sneakers—dance under the stars.

Supporters from near and far will unite to raise funds for HDP life-changing initiatives and scholarships for local students. The fundraiser will highlight the work and partnerships the HDP garnered during its first year of service. Thus far in 2023 the group has created and distributed books to Apple Valley students, provided more than 100 personal hygiene- and socks-filled backpacks to the homeless community, cleaned land parcels along Bear Valley Road, planted trees, and more.

“We are busy collecting items for our Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack program which provides much-needed weekend and holiday meals for children, along with school supplies, for students at Lime Street Elementary School which we have adopted,” said HDP President Dr. Lakieta Emanuel. “However, this is just one of several community service projects we are working on.”

Tickets to A Night Under The Stars, A Black Tie Sneaker Gala may be purchased by clicking or going to the following link: https://bit.ly/HDPGALA. Sponsorships and ad placement in the digital souvenir program are also available. If you have questions or concerns, you may contact HDP Fundraising Chair Janis Parker Pressley at JanisPPressley@gmail.com, 214-994-3959, or Dr. Lakieta Emanuel at highdesertpearls1908@gmail.com.

The HDP are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an international service organization established in 1908 which is the first sorority established by African American women. The HDP members are committed to serving the economic, educational, environmental, and social needs of stakeholders in the five-city area of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, and Victorville. For more information about the HDP, you may follow them at www.facebook.com/highdesertpearls or on Instagram @highdesertpearls. They can also be reached via email at highdesertpearls1908@gmail.com.  For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., you may visit www.aka1908.com.