Tuesday, March 14th, Washington, D.C. – Shaping Futures Foundation hosted its inaugural gala at the Exclusive Automotive Group Aston Martin Bentley in Ashburn, Virginia, on Saturday, March 11th. The event was a resounding success, with a room filled with Washington, DC elite and distinguished guests, all coming together to raise funds for the Foundation’s mission to build an all-girls school in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Guests were treated to the finest cuisine prepared by the Foundation’s CEO and Culinary Diva, Cordell Robinson. The event sponsors provided amazing items for the silent auction, including Aston Martin and Bentley car rentals, fashion consultation with fashion icon Ty Hunter (Destiny’s Child, Beyonce & Billy Porter), a business coaching package from David Meltzer (Co-Founder, Sports 1 Marketing), designer handbags provided by Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana, and more.
Notable guests included Angela Kinney (C.O. of the Library of Congress), Robert Edwards Jr. (Hamilton Clark Sustainable Capital), Dewayne Queen (President, EQUAL Delta Airlines LGBTQ Employee/Business Resource Group), Exclusive Automotive Group Executives, Jason Issacs (CEO of Open Up Resources), and South African Fashion Designer David Tlale, who personally delivered his custom-made piece for Cordell to wear during the gala.
Host Committee member Sanya Richards Ross introduced Cordell Robinson, who spoke passionately about the work his foundation is doing in Africa and the importance of making this world a better place. Robinson also thanked his host committee, which included Jonathan Metcalfe (CEO, Exclusive Automotive Group), Lucky Church (CEO, Lucky Church LLC), Elliot Carlyle (CEO, CURRENT•LY), Casandra Diggs (President, Counsel of Fashion Designers of America), Debra Antney (Entrepreneur/Entertainment Mogul), and Sanya Richards-Ross (Olympic Gold Medalist & TV Personality), for their dedication and support. The night ended with guests raving about Chef Cordell’s delicious menu, including Jerk Lamb Chops, Marinated Chilean sea bass with caviar, and Jollof rice arancini.
“Being able to give back to Africa and make a positive impact on the lives of these young girls is what drives me,” said Cordell Robinson. “I believe that we all have a responsibility to do our part to make this world a better place, and I am grateful to everyone who came out to support our cause.” The Shaping Futures Foundation inaugural gala was a night to remember, filled with love, generosity, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for young girls in Tanzania.
Photos Credit: Muse Blaq (Left to Right) Jonathan Metcalfe, Sanya Richards-Ross, Cordell Robinson, Debra Antney & Lucky Church