“Well Done! NYC” Award Ceremony Launched with a Big Bang

Sept. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- The First Annual “Well Done! NYC” Award Ceremony honoring National Action Network, New York Cares, the Mamma Foundation for the Arts and Uptown Girl Power was held Wednesday, September 7 at Libations NYC from 6:00PM-10:00PM. Hosted by Fresh 102.7 radio personality Jasmine Sander, the events success was made possible by the outstanding support by New York City celebrities, business owners, regional Miss America winners and keynote speech by actress Rebecca King Crews, executive producer of BET’s “The Family Crews.”

The “Well Done! NYC” Award Benefit was created by Tawana Sharee Butler, President & CEO of event planning and fundraising company La Frai DS. “A project 9-months in the making, my vision of creating a sense of community was achieved at the September 7 inaugural event,” said Butler.  “We came to conquer and conquer we did and I cannot wait to top this event in 2012.”

Kicking-off the benefit, guests enjoyed the soothing musical sounds of BET’s “106 + Park “house band, Notorious. The musical repertories were followed by the body pumping tunes by powerful female disc jockey, DJ Laa Choc.

The award ceremony commenced with words from host Jasmine Sanders and introduction of live performers Clarisa Rose, recent Winner of BET’s  “106 & Park”  Wild Out Wednesday R&B competition  on “Alicia Keys Day.”; and Bones Brigante, a rapper, producer and 106&PARK Freestyle Friday Grand Champ. Rose and Brigante were accompanied by the Notorious band.

Speakers Lucinda Cross, Founder of Corporate Mom Dropouts and host of Whats Your Story on MomTV; Helen Troncoso, the current Ms. New York Belleza Latina 2011; Rev. Michael Walrond, Pastor of the First Corinthian Baptist Church; and keynote speaker, actress and film director Rebecca King Crews.

“Well Done! NYC” Awards were presented by:
   Troncoso presented to Judith Raphael of Uptown Girl Power;
   Rev. Walrond presented award to Dominique Sharpton of National action Network;
   King Crews presented the award to Vy Higginsen of Mamma Foundation for the Arts; and
   Kaitlin Monte, Miss New York 2011, presented award to Gary Bagley of New York Cares.  

Rev. Michael Walrond led the group in prayer and paid tribute to 9/11 victims and survivors.  Contributing to the 9/11 tribute, film director and producer Anky Cyriaque of Hidden Film Studios unveiled his “Well Done! NYC” video project highlighting members of the community such as Rachael Lechliter and Elena Baxter of Lifestyle & Charity Magazine, R&B artist Baiyu, Miss Knockout, Pavan Bahl of OS Fashion, SheFlorish, Jasmine Sanders, Vy Higginsen, Gary Bagley of New York Cares, Tawana Butler, and Jasmine Sanders.

“It was such an honor to be a part of an amazing event produced by La Frai DS to recognize the good work that people in our community do daily to make a difference for those in need, especially the youth people. I support and salute them. 'Well Done! NYC” said Jasmine Sanders.

The event was sponsored by Jewel of Ocean, Madame’ Got Rocks, Pinkberry, Staples, Z-100 Promotions, the New York Knicks, Z-100, MEMI International - Health & Beauty product, Magnolia Bakery, DJ Laa Choc, Jacqui Graham of Graham Image Photography  and Bronx E & R Fiesta Liquers Corps. Additional gift bag products provided by the New York City Department of Health.

Special guests included Mallory Hagan, Miss Manhattan 2011; Shekinah Monee, New York City's Perfect Miss; R&B artist Baiyu, Shanelle Gabriel and R&B Artist Niva the Soul Diva.

Proceeds generated from “Well Done! NYC” will be distributed to honorees. For further information or photographs, please email dfrieson@mahoganycommunications.com.

ABOUT Well Done! NYC

WELL DONE! NYC was created by Tawana Sharee Butler, the founder of La Frai DS (www.lafraids.com), a well known New York-based fundraising and event planning firm. Inspired by the various community groups and philanthropists she met over the years while fundraising on behalf of the New York City public school system, Butler felt it was time that they were appreciated for their tireless and “thankless” efforts to help those around them. An overwhelming desire to give back and show appreciation to these “unsung heroes” of New York City gave birth to Well Done! NYC, and organization dedicated to encouraging and fostering volunteerism.  Well Done! NYC hosts the annual awards benefit of the same name. For more information about Well Done! NYC, visit: www.welldonenyc.com.

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Founded in 2010, Mahogany Communications LLC, is a New York City communications firm specializing in public relations, event planning, social media and marketing communications.