Event Supports High-Risk Children in Foster Care
Family Health & Support Network, Inc. Presents the Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley Celebration and Pioneer Awards Fundraiser on Saturday, June 14 at La Quinta Resort & Spa, 49-499 Eisenhower Drive in La Quinta. The seventh annual event honors African-American culture and heritage and is a benefit for Family Health & Support Network’s (FHSN) foster care and prevention & early intervention programs.
The evening begins with a V.I.P. reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Pioneer Awards at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear “smart casual white.” Tickets are $65 for general admission, and $85 for V.I.P. reception and seating. Group tickets and sponsorships are also available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 760-340-2442 or by visiting www.juneteenthcv.com.
The event will feature Actress Gye Nyame Maat as Emcee, Spokeswoman Jasmine Roy as Awards Hostess, and a keynote address by Orande Miller of Casey Family Programs in Washington D.C.
Sandra Austin, CEO of FHSN said of the event “We rely on the Juneteenth Celebration and Pioneer Awards to raise funds to enhance the quality programs and services we offer and to educate our community. This means expanding beyond the familiar and learning about other cultures and beliefs so that we can create a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative community.”
This year’s Pioneer Awards theme is “It’s My Life”. It creates an opportunity to honor youth and young adults age 12-21 who demonstrate use of one or more of the seven Nquzo Saba principles in their daily living. Nominations are being accepted through May 15 in the following categories: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.
The event also includes African-American art & culture by inviting vendors and exhibitors to participate with their cultural art, products and services This “All White Attire” evening event inspires and empowers local residents and visitors.
V.I.P. tickets include a private reception with a wine tasting, passed hors d’oeuvres, photo opportunity and live musical entertainment by Mr. Milton Hollins and Ms. Felicia Hunt. V.I.P. guests will enjoy premier seating during the Pioneer Awards and the main event, including dinner and a performance by special guest artist renowned vocalist, Ms. Alfreda James. Ms. James has been singing professionally since the age of 14, first performing with the famed gospel group The Art Reynolds Singers. As lead singer for the group, Alfreda performed all over the world including tours to Africa, Mexico, Canada and all across America. As a member of The Art-Forms, Ltd. she opened for The Platters and Frankie Laine at the Las Vegas Hilton. Her style encompasses jazz, blues, pop, R&B, and gospel. It is apparent when she sings that the depth of her feeling and conviction is grounded in gospel music. Her repertoire brings a message of hope and wholeness to the human condition. Her soulful vocal delivery has a power and energy matched by few of her contemporaries.
Headlining the entertainment portion of the event is teen jazz artist Chase Huna. Driven by passion, power and purpose, jazz saxophonist Chase will delight the audience with a soulful jazz performance. Chase attends La Quinta High School and performs locally with Will Donato’s Art of Sax smooth jazz band.
100% of the proceeds from Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley directly benefit the children and families served by the Family Health & Support Network, Inc., a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, established in 2003 by founding members Sandra Austin, Robbie Peer, and Michael Scott.
Austin continues, “FHSN currently has contracts with Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties for the placement and administrative oversight of children and youth who have been removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect. In order that we may satisfy our contractual agreement we must recruit qualified individuals and couples to serve as certified foster parents with our network. Most importantly, we seek to become aligned with individuals who share our passion for helping children and youth. Please join us on this special evening.”
