Community shows love for Valentine gala
Published 11:45 am Monday, February 26, 2024
Theresa Hatch is pictured here with her husband, Charles Hatch Jr., at the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala, which was hosted by Theresa Hatch’s company, H&H Catering. Both Theresa and Charles participated in the event’s fashion show. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Franklin-based Culture Jazz Combo performs live Feb. 10 at the Red & Black Valentine Gala. Pictured standing are, from left, vocalists Kristopher Dickens, Summer Waters and Antonio Anthony. Other band members, pictured or not, include bongos player Israel Taylor, drummer Antonio Branch, guitar player Rashad Boone, piano player Wynton Davis and bass guitar player DeShawn Mayes. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Jamal Smith promotes his book, “What Black Men Need From Black Women,” during the Red & Black Valentine Gala on Feb. 10. The book is on sale at Amazon.com. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Melissa Lyon and Johnny Lyon, owners of Lyonkng Private Security Agency, showcased their company’s products and services at the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Franklin Vice Mayor Wynndolyn H. Copeland and her husband, Joel Copeland, enjoy a nice community night out at the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Elder Dora Lee serves as the mistress of ceremony at the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Franklin. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Comedian Cletus Kassady, of Portsmouth, performs during the Red & Black Valentine Gala on Feb. 10 in Franklin. He is also an actor on the new BET+ show “CHURCHY.” (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Arshanika Davis models casual wear during the fashion show at the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala in Franklin. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
The audience enjoys the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala while also contributing to the aesthetic and atmosphere of the occasion. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Chaquita Kindred, seen here at the Red & Black Valentine Gala, is owner of MTQ Digital Designs, a digital design agency located in the Franklin Business Center. Her company was responsible for the marketing and social media promotion of the gala. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Rosa Lawrence models one of her nighttime fashion wear outfits during the Red & Black Valentine Gala’s fashion show on Feb. 10. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Rosa Evans helps make the Red & Black Valentine Gala a reality as a staff member for H&H Catering and a member of the decorating team. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
Paparazzi Jewelry owner Erika High showcases her wares as one of the vendors on hand for the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala on Feb. 10. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
H&H Catering owner Theresa Hatch models during the second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala’s fashion show on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Franklin. (Photo submitted by Alford Kindred)
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By Mona Sumblin
The second annual Red & Black Valentine Gala, hosted by Theresa Hatch’s H&H Catering, was held at Camp Community College’s Regional Workforce Development Center on Saturday, Feb. 10.
Filled to capacity with numerous guests, the event featured attendees dressed in red and black attire. Not only were the attendees treated to a delectable gourmet meal, they enjoyed magnificent southern soul blues, R&B and oldies but goodies musical entertainment that was provided by the live band Culture Jazz Combo, of Franklin.
There were raffle giveaways, a fashion show, 360 entertainment, DJ Scooby Doo and popular line dancing.
Comedian Cletus Kassady, of Portsmouth, evoked much laughter from the audience. Kassady is also an actor on the BET+ network’s new show “CHURCHY.”
Elder Dora Lee served as the mistress of ceremony for the evening.
The gourmet meal consisted of smoked brisket, salmon and shrimp, fried cabbage, yellow rice, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, garden salad, bread, sweet iced tea, lemonade and water and desserts.
The fashion show, featuring casual and evening attire, was MC’d by Sheena Graham, and models included Arshanika Davis, Charles Hatch, Theresa Hatch, Ebony Hicks, Lania Hunt, Rosa Lawrence and Miranda Newsome.
Additionally, numerous vendors showcased their products and services. Vendors in attendance were MTQ Digital Designs LLC, a digital design company owned by Chaquita Kindred, who was also responsible for the digital marketing and social media promotion of the event; Lyonkng Private Security Agency LLC; Balloons by Jerod King; Erika High from Paparazzi Jewelry; Coach Al and Photography/360 Photo Booth LLC; Amazon Author Jamal Smith; Brown’s Paintings & Jewelry; Joan Harris of Scrub Fashion; and Marquita Brown and Apostle Audrey Mitchell with a variety of boutique items.
In addition to catering the event, Theresa Hatch and the H&H staff of Ramon Anderson, Lestine Barnes, Rosa Evans, Rosa Lawrence and Debra Slide prepared the elaborate red, black and white decorations.
Hatch stated that she conceived the idea to host this event last year “to give people an opportunity to come together and get to know one another. We have not connected within our community since the COVID epidemic, and I wanted to bring the tradition back.”
The overflow of participants this year is evidence that this type of affair is something that community members truly enjoy. Hatch expressed that she plans to continue to host this event annually. If you did not attend this year, you missed a treat.
