L.A. Focus Charities celebrated faith, leadership and community service at its sold-out 28th Annual First Ladies High Tea on October 3rd at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. More than 700 guests attended the elegant afternoon celebration, co-hosted by award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and KTLA reporter Jasmine Simpkins. The event recognized influential women, honored community leaders and awarded scholarships to outstanding students.
The 28th Annual First Ladies High Tea brought together more than 700 guests to celebrate women making meaningful contributions to their communities. Wendy Raquel Robinson and Jasmine Simpkins co-hosted the event, while 102.3 KLJH FM personality Aundrae Russell served as the program’s voice and led the traditional First Ladies Roll Call. The ceremony honored First Ladies Clare Anderson Fox, Dreytona Maddox, Floetta “Lady Flo” Lewis and Michelle Porter with the Faith in Action Award, recognizing their leadership and service.
The afternoon also celebrated several distinguished community leaders and entertainment figures. Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway received the Spirit Award, Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor was presented with the Community Service Award, and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Yvonne Wheeler received the Game Changer Award. Guests also gave a standing ovation to Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. and his wife, Del Richardson Price, in recognition of his more than three decades of public service.
Continuing its longstanding commitment to education and youth empowerment, the event awarded scholarships through its annual essay contest, themed “Rooted in Legacy, Rising with Purpose and Promise.” Taiwo Adesiji received the $5,000 Jheryl Busby Scholarship, while Lakenna Jamerson earned the $2,500 Dr. Betty Price Scholarship, presented by Crenshaw Christian Center CEO Angela Evans. Third-place winner Willow Barnes received $1,500, and the remaining finalists were awarded $1,000 each. The celebration was supported by numerous community partners, including AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, St. John’s Community Health and Compassion International.
