During the spectacular fundraiser hosted by the High Desert Pearls, an Official Interest Group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., A Night Under The Stars, A Black Tie Sneaker Gala, nearly 250 supporters gathered to honor community “Stars” who aid the socio-economic, educational and other needs of High Desert individuals, families, and businesses. In addition to the HDP awards, local officials acknowledged the six community servants with certificates of accomplishment. Pictured in the front row are Senator Scott Wilk Field Representative Thomas Moreno; Assemblyman Juan Carrillo Field Representative Resa Barillas; honorees for Uplift our Local Community—Apple Valley School Board Member Maria Okpara; Enhance our Environment—Victorville Lion’s Club President Linda Titus; Empower Our Families—Divine Interventions Founder and President James Campbell and LaKeisha Kidd-Campbell, NAACP president and vice president, respectively; Advocate for Social Justice—Barstow Mayor Pro Tem James Noble; and Build Our Economic Wealth—Millionaire Mind Kids Founder Delores Williams. Pictured in the back row are HDP members Adrienne Shepherd, Jacqueline Wright, Vice President and Fundraising Chair Janis P. Pressley, President Dr. Lakieta Emanuel, Tynesia Evans, Annette Streeter, Shandreka Rankin and Nichole Barnes.
“Each honoree exemplifies the best of servanthood and care for their community and fellow man,” said Pressley. “We appreciate their commitment to uplifting others, which aligns with our mission.”
Guests danced the night away after bidding on beautiful and useful silent auction items and participating in sneaker contest. Monies raised during the gala benefit HDP initiatives that assist High Desert stakeholders, including the homeless population, and the Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack which provides meals for 25 Lime Street Elementary School students and their families during school holiday breaks throughout the academic year.
To assist the HDP by making food donations please contact highdesertpearls1908@gmail.com or for monetary donations please mail checks to High Desert Pearls, 19201-A Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley, Ca 92308 or send electronic donations to Zelle & PayPal: payhdpprograms@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 may also be reached via email at highdesertpearls1908@gmail.com. Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., you may visit www.aka1908.com
