The Hybrid on the Green

Story Coverage: Yolonda D. Coleman (Ideal PR Media Correspondent)

The S400 Mercedes-Benz was the featured attraction at Planet Vehicle's "Drive on the Green" reception at the National Golf Club in Fort Washington, Maryland. In the midst of Hurricane Irene, The 2012 luxury car sat outside the tree-lined golf club as the gray clouds moved over the course. However, not even the winds of Irene could dissuade potential buyers from taking a look at the sleek eco-friendly hybrid that gives drivers 25 highway miles per gallon. The S400 comes loaded with a PRE-SAFE breaking program called Predictive Protection System. The radar sensors alert drivers of a potential collision with drivers ahead. This is a safety feature that will help you weather any storm. 

For more information on the S-Class Mercedes-Benz visit www.planetvehicle.com or www.mbusa.com/S. 

Special Thanks to Alvin Jones of Planet Vehicle.

The After Glow: Alpha Phi Alpha MLK Tribute Post Reception Event

Story/Event Coverage: Neeta Wooten

Images: Reggie Campbell

 

If you were not in Washington, DC this past weekend, you missed it. There are certain situations where words are just not enough to explain...THIS is one of those situations. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated presented the most amazing series of events  in honor of the National Memorial Dedication for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The historical Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Avenue, NW was the host hotel and sight for most of the private events. In addition to TV One and Radio One owner (and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member) Cathy Hughes and I having on the same shoes, we shared a similar excitement regarding the purpose of the event for Dr. King. When Cathy Hughes was asked what Dr. King's legacy meant to her she said, "Its the inspiration to know that it is possible to do what I do, and to open doors for other individuals and to be filled with love...because love conquers everything." Nicely said soror! Cathy Hughes is s shining example of how the efforts of Dr. King have allowed others to reach the mountain top. And as Ms. Hughes so eloquently put it, it is beyond what you have accomplished for yourself, but more about how you use what you have accomplished to help others.

Inside the Mayflower Hotel during the Dr. King Tribute Weekend

"The After Glow" reception took place after the Tribute Program at the Dar Constitution Hall. Guests were adorned in ballgowns, white ties and black tails, basking in the "after glow" of the dynamic performances at Constitution Hall. Sponsored by Grey Goose, The ballrooms were filled with music, food and every type of Grey Goose flavored drink possible.

Some guests were supporting Alpha Phi Alpha member and host of the After Glow event, Hill Harper by purchasing his series of books.

I personally own all four of Hill Harper's books as he has been a friend to Ideal PR since 2003. Upon entering the After Glow, a young lady assisting the book signing did a great job of speaking to everyone who was in line waiting for Hill to personally sign their books. When I walked by she asked me if I had his "new" book, I replied, "I have all four of his books." She then said to me, "Oh I bet you don't this one (referring to "The Wealth Cure")," I replied to her by saying, "Yes, I do, in fact it arrived in the mail today...The book has been available for 3 days now, and I purchased it through Amazon.com." I watched Hill Harper interact with his supporters with a warm, genuine energy before he greeted me with a smile and friendly hug.

Model Monique Pridgeon & Cynné Simpson

After speaking to Mr. Harper I made my way into the first ballroom where a live Jazz band was playing upbeat tunes to a crowd mingling and eating sweet treats from the center piece table.The ballroom across the hall was filled with guests dancing on the dance floor to the tunes of the DJ. Then I noticed radio/TV personality Adimu on the microphone adding additional energy to the crowd's excitement. 

While enjoying the various passed hors d'oeuvres (lamb chops, chicken skewers, puff pastries, etc.) and grabbing a few slices of zucchini from massive vegetable table I ran into Mr. Media Man himself, Jawn Murray and singer Kenny Lattimore, who performed the opening song for the tribute at Constitution Hall (stay tuned for exclusive video footage). It is always a pleasure to see Jawn's smiling face as he always brings happiness into the room.

Among other notables who were at the post reception were Lalah Hathaway, Daphne and Tim Reid, Dawnn Lewis, Della Reese, Monique Pridgeon, Cynné Simpson, Omari Hardwick, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Marvin Winans, Jesse Jackson, Herman Mason and hundreds of finely dressed Alpha Phi Alpha men and their dates and others.

 

It was the sister of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Christine King Farris, the only living sibling of Dr. King, who I had the pleasure of sitting next to towards the end of the night. Speaking with her was the highlight of the evening.  To see the peace and calmness in her eyes and feel the power of her presence was truly an honor to have experienced.

Be on the look out for EXCLUSIVE images and video footage NEVER POSTED OR SEEN from this event in the Fall issue of The IDEAL Magazine, October issue of CenterStage1 Magazine and Ideal PR Media TV.

FREE TICKETS GIVE-A-WAY - Hosted by Nick Cannon - Hottest Labor Day Weekend Concert in California!

OC’s Biggest Concert Line-Up Ever!  

IDEAL PR MEDIA is GIVING AWAY 2 tickets!

More Than 200 Acts and Over a Dozen Stages.

YES! Today Ideal PR Media is GIVING AWAY 2 FREE Two-Day Weekend Passes to this Weekend's HOTTEST concert in Orange County, California. Hosted by Nick Cannon with performances by The Game, Lil Jon, Fishbone and more...(See Official Info Below).

If you want tickets All you have to do is EMAIL us HERE and tell us why you want the free tickets and which act you want to see most. That is IT!!! The person with the most creative answer wins the 2 tickets to take a friend both days! You have until 12 midnight today to submit your answer. Don't Delay!!! (Your real name, address, phone number and email address will be required by the festival. The information you provide must match the information on your ID when you pick up the tickets at Will Call)

Also be sure to visit our new Facebook Page and click the "LIKE" button :-) http://facebook.com/IdealPRMedia

Also follow us on twitter! We will tweet who the winner is! http://twitter.com/IdealPRMedia

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ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. August 29, 2011 — This all age, Labor Day Weekend 

Festival with more than 200 musicians from nearly every genre will be taking to multiple stages at the first-ever Playground Festival, including The Game, whose latest album release, “R.E.D.”, is the top-seller in the nation.  

Hosted by Nick Cannon (“America’s Got Talent”), the never-before-seen lineup includes The Game, Big Sean, Panic! at the Disco, Lil Jon, New Boyz, The Cataracs, Break The Circus, Steel Panther, Mickey Avalon, celebrity DJ Heavy Grinder,  Fishbone and more. The Labor Day Weekend event also will see the last concert by Confide and the musical debut of model-actress Caroline D’Amore (named The Cutest Girl in L.A. by Paper Magazine). 

Combined, the performers have sold over 39 million records. Add to that more than 190 local and up-and-coming acts covering rock, reggae, electronic, rap, hip-hop and pop—along with acres of fun attractions such as The SkullCandy and Oakley Experiences, laser tag, live art shows and carnival rides—and you’ve got a musical celebration such has never been seen before in Orange County.

DJ and performer competitions will award winners with the chance to perform sets on the main stages. And, lucky fans will have the chance to win valuable prizes from SkullCandy and Oakley and meet-and-greets with stars like Cannon and Lil Jon.

  

For a limited time, attendees can purchase two-day passes for only $90 with the promo code MONKEY23 (regular price: $100). 

Day-of tickets are $125, single-day tickets are $65 for Sept. 3 and $75 for Sept. 4. VIP tickets are $125 for one day and $215 for both, and include access to a private entrance and parking with chauffeured transportation to the grounds, artist meet-and-greets and access to a backstage VIP section, front-row seating, fast-passes for all attractions, a VIP after-party and more.

The Playground Festival takes place Sept. 3-4 at Hidden Valley, Irvine, Calif. (the old Lion Country Safari grounds), next to the Verizon Amphitheater. It is presented by Blue Torch Entertainment. For more information, visit PlaygroundFestival.com


A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO Annette Vitkievicz at  Social Radius 

MLK National Memorial Dedication Tribute Program "MLK: A Monumental Life"

On Friday August 26, 2011 Alpha Phi Alpha presented a historical tribute program for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s national memorial dedication. Although the weather in Washington, DC was unpredictable, the Gold Carpet was undoubtedly fabulous. Faith, Rochelle and  their team (Isiah, Pam, Stephanie Abdullah, and others) were gracious in greeting all of the media and VIP attendees and of course the fabulous Toni Thompson made sure the carpet ran without a noticeable hitch...in a floor length gold dress nonetheless!

L-R Toni Thompson, Rochell Hill, Isiah Donaldson

While some events were cancelled given by other organizations, this particular tribute program at the Dar Constitution Hall given by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was not one of them. Everyone was excited about the purpose of the event, many even having a loss for words as to what that day really meant to them. Some could remember where they were the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., gave his "I have a dream" speech, and marveled at the correlation between where the speech was given, and where his physical memorial has been place for an eternity.

Nate Parker and David Oyelowo

Participants for this program included a large group of VIP participants such as Terrence Howard, Hill Harper, Della Reese, Phylicia Rashad, Victoria Rowell, Tramaine Hawkins, Kenny Lattimore, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Jasmine Guy, Micahel T., Lalah Hathaway, Clifton Davis, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ann Nesby, Fonzworth Bentley, and many others.

The program was a beautiful mix of narration, skits, dance and musical performances that encapsulated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from birth to death. Dr King's story was literally brought to life with the energy of the program having extreme emotional highs including Tramaine Hawkin's performance of "A Change," to emotional heaviness with Bernadette Stanis' narration of the accounts of Emit Till and how that affected the civil rights movement. Some of the songs performed with skits and dances included "Freedom," "Tired," and "Guide My Feet While I Run This Race." All of the musical selections were performed live, with a full orchestra. All dances routines were performed with precision. When, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around," was performed, it stuck a chord within my heart. I could feel the struggle, the pain and despair being conveyed, and yet there was evidence of the hope and determinations in the spirits of that group of people to keep on going...no matter what.

Occasionally I enjoy parts of a program, and rarely enjoy the majority of a program. However, this particular tribute, "MLK: A Monumental Life," given by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was historically the best program I have ever experienced. I was captivated from beginning to end...and this was a long show, upwards of 4 hours. And while it was lengthy in time, every moment of this tribute was amazing...absolutely amazing. I was not alive when Dr. King gave his infamous "I Have a Dream" speech. I was not old enough to understand what was happening when the concept of the Dr. King memorial was initiated by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha in 1984. However, on August 26, 2011 inside the walls of Constitution Hall, I became one with Dr. King's legacy, his memorial and his dream, and will never be the same from this day forward. Thank you Dr. King for fulfilling your purpose in life. I am honored to have been a part of this historical event. 

Story By: Neeta Wooten

Gold Carpet: "MLK A Monumental Life"

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, along with sponsors ExxonMobil, Ambercrombi & Fitch, AARP,  Alfac,The Stafford Foundation, and the Perrenial Sports and Entertainment produced a "Gold" carpet event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Dar Constitution Hall in Washington, DC on Friday August 26, 2011. 

The theme, "“M.L.K.: A Monumental Life.” The attire, White Tie and Black Tails. Everyone looked fabulous! The atmosphere of the gold carpet was elegant and warm adorned in  Black and Gold, the colors of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, the organization of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was a member.
(Images for Ideal PR Media taken by Reggie Campbell) 

Phylicia Rashad and Family

Alpha Kappa Alpha member Cathy Hughes & Alpha Phi Alpha Member Hill Harper

Jasmine Guy, Debra Lee (BET), Lalah Hathaway

Victoria Rowell, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Dawn Chambers & Fonzworth Bentley

Dawnn Lewis, Senator Vincent Hughes and wife Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mary Wilson

Ann Nesby, Alpha Phi Alpha President Herman Mason & wife Harmel Cody-Mason, Sheryl Underwood

Marvin Winans, Alpha Phi Alpha members Omari Hardwick & Clifton Davis

Della Reese, Bernadette Stanis, Micahel T

Ideal PR Media host Monique Pridgeon interviewing Della Reese, Congressman Lewis, Dick Gregory

Toni Thompson,  Rochelle Hill, Isiah Donaldson

(Ideal PR Media Team for this event: Reggie Campbell, Monique Pridgeon, Neeta Wooten)

Actors, Get ready for "Abandoned" Casting Notice

Images of Success is casting a role for their upcoming Stage Play named "Abandoned."  They are seeking to fill the role ASAP for their September 25th production.  You Must have some acting experience.

What are they looking for:
Character: Jason (male, age 22-29) he loves the ladies, however when things are serious he finds a way to add humor.

Please email photo and resume to imagesofsuccess@msn.com for audition details.
GOOD LUCK!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Weekend Given By Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Stay tuned for the Ideal PR Media "Gold" carpet pictures, video interviews and snapshots of the historic tribute in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC.

Some of the people you will see in our stories, video footage and post to come surrounding this event include:

Lalah Hathaway, Clifton Davis, Omari Hardwick, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Cathy Hughes, Victoria Rowell, Debra Lee, Della Reese, Nancy Wilson, Bernadette Stanis, Hill Harper, Jasmine Guy, Terrence Howard, Phylicia Rashad, Sherly Lee-Ralph, Marvin Winans, Michael T, Sheryl Underwood, Dawnn Lewis and more!!!

Here is a sneak peek...

 STAY TUNED!!!

A Very Special Thanks to Rochelle and Isiah at Merge Consumer Marketing and Toni Thompson

Ideal PR Media Team for this event:
Reggie Campbell, Monique Pridgeon, Neeta Wooten (Owner/CEO)

Alpha Phi Alpha Kicks Off The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dedication with A Jazz Mixer

 (All Images By: Reggie Campbell for Ideal Pr Media: RL Campbell Photography www.rlphotography.com)

Last night at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha kicked off the weekend of celebration activities with a Jazz mixer.  Some of the sponsors included AARP, Men's Warehouse, Anheuser-Busch and the Atlanta Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

The president of Alpha Phi Alpha Herman "Skip" Mason greeted the guest and confirmed that all of their dedication events taking place Thurs-Saturday were still confirmed to take place. Lamont King dazzled the crowd with his smooth humor and candid wit and kicked the performances off with a bang.

Hosted by Lamont King, DC's sexy (and single) Alpha man, the night included an evening of live jazz performance, passed hors d'oeuvres and private tables fashioned with  trays of assorted chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh melons, grilled shrimp skewers, tenderloin crustini, exotic cheese and crackers.


Some of the notables who attended were Della Reese, Council At-large Vincent Orange (Washington, DC), actress Dawnn Lewis (A Different World), Alpha Phi Alpha Present Herman "Skip" Mason,  and lawyer Nia Phillips (Obama Appointee) among others. Actress Victoria Rowell (Young and Restless) and comedian Sheryl Underwood (BET) were spotted at the end of the night outside of the ballroom.

Attendee Nia Phillips
LOVE THOSE SHOES!!!

The night's opening solo act began with singer Kathleen Bertrand singing a song set that included "Georgia On My Mind." Followed by trumpet player and Alpha man Melvin M. Miller who started his set from the back of the room and worked his way through the crowd.



Next up was Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated member Miriamm Wright in a vibrant orange satin dress singing a set that included a beautiful rendition of "Summertime." The night continued with Saxophonist and Alpha man BK Jackson and then ended with a group performance with all of the performers from the night on stage.

A Very Special Thanks to  Rochelle and Isiah at Merge Consumer Marketing
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Here is what Council At-large Vincent Orange had to say about what he was looking forward to this weekend, and what he has been doing in the city surrounding this historic event.

IDEAL PR Media Team For This Event (Reggie Campbell, CenterStage1, Neeta Wooten)

Rodney Perry Is "ALL THE WAY LIVE"

Story By: Neeta Wooten
(Rodney Perry; All Images are the property of Rodney Perry)

“Rodney Perry on that comedy stage is not to be messed with. I am not a game!” - Rodney Perry

Rodney Perry’s role as a visible support to Mo’Nique, the TV show’s guests and the crowd comes naturally for him. He is a service man. He has serviced our country through the armed forces (Navy), he has serviced our communities through his dedication to being a kind person and he has serviced our need for laughs and mental release through his stand up comedy.

Rodney created his own internet talk show called “The Rodney Perry Show,” where he interviews people from comedian/actor Kevin Hart to actress Angell Conwell. He described himself as a “hipper” Tavis Smiley, in hopes to bridge the gap of a talent pool of people not only is he a fan of, but he feels deserved the added recognition regarding their talent. “You don’t have to wait on people to give you opportunities, with the avenue of the internet you can reach your core audience fairly effectively by turning on the camera and doing your own show.”

These days, while the Mo’Nique show is on hiatus, Rodney is busy doing a comedy tour and working on his radio show that airs on Blog Talk Radio every Monday at 2pm EST called “Rodney Perry Live.” So no matter where you are, if you are near the internet, you can hear and be a part of Rodney Perry’s world every week.

Rodney believes that it is important to stay active and work what you love to do. Staying on the Atlanta comedy scene helped Rodney land his role in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family." He said, “I’m a stand up (comedian) first, and every blessing I have ever gotten has been a result of my stand up.” Rodney was performing in a comedy club (in Atlanta) on a Tuesday, went in to read for the part on that same Thursday, received a call back on Saturday to be on set in two days on Monday. Talk about fast, and talk about God's grace!

Rodney had nothing but amazing words to say about working with Tyler Perry and being a part of his movie project. If only Spike Lee could give Mr. Perry a break and see the positive side to what Tyler Perry’s empire is doing for the Black community.

When asked about the Spike Lee/Tyler Perry controversy, Rodney had some very thoughtful words to say. “I don’t think we as people of Color have the luxury of bashing each other on any level. While Tyler Perry’s comedy may not be everybody’s cup of tea, Tyler Perry employs more Black people than anybody in the industry, you have to respect that...he found a way to make it work when there was no way to make it work...Hollywood told Tyler Perry no, so he took his own money (that he made from his plays) and began to fund his own work...he funded the first ten episode of his first TV show (House of Payne) now that is gangsta! To bet your own dollars on yourself, and to see it flourish into a mogul, that is the definition of faith, and you can’t argue with faith.”

You can't argue with faith, and you can't deny that it is Rodney's time to shine. And shine he will with his act, "Rodney Perry All The Way Live" touring the country through January (so far). “Rodney Perry on that comedy stage is not to be messed with. I am not a game,”said Rodney. Be sure to support Rodney Perry in all of his endeavors. "Positive people and positive movements should receive positive support." - Ideal PR Media

Catch Rodney on Tour (scheduled cities to date)

08/26/2011 - 08/27/2011 - Jazz & Jokes, Nashville TN

09/09/2011 - 09/10/2011 - LAFF HOUSE, Philadelphia PA

10/07/2011 - 10/09/2011 - Levee Funny Bone, Newport KY

10/14/2011 - 10/16/2011 - Arlington Improv, Arlington TX

11/04/2011 - 11/06/2011 - Houston Improv, Houston TX

01/13/2012 - TBAAL , Dallas TX

Be sure to connect with Rodney through his Internet social media sites

http://www.rodneyperry.com/

Blogtalkradio.com/rodneyperrylive (Mondays at 2pm EST)

Twitter.com/RodneyPerry

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RodneyBPerry

CELEBRATED COUNTRY SINGER GLEN CAMPBELL SPEAKS TO ABC’S TERRY MORAN IN HIS FIRST TELEVISION INTERVIEW SINCE BEING DIAGOSED WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Interview to Air Tuesday, August 23 on “World News with Diane Sawyer” and “Nightline”

            In his first television interview since being diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, legendary country musician Glen Campbell sits down for a conversation with “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran.  They discuss Campbell’s illustrious career and how the star is dealing with the realities of the degenerative disease while preparing to embark on a final tour to say thank you to his fans. The concert tour, dubbed “The Glen Campbell Goodbye Tour,” is happening in conjunction with the release of Campbell’s final studio album Ghost on the Canvas on August 30. Campbell's career spans five decades. He's had 81 songs on the charts and has made his mark on music history with such hits as "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Galveston."

            This story has personal significance for Terry Moran. He, like millions of Americans, knows the pain of losing a loved one to Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's runs in his family; both his mother and grandmother died of the disease. In 2009, Moran decided to take action and get his DNA tested to see whether he carried any of the genetic markers that have been linked to Alzheimer's.

Read Moran’s Reporter’s Notebook -- Facing Alzheimer's: A Personal Story

            The interview airs on “World News with Diane Sawyer” on Tuesday, August 23. Portions of the interview will also air Tuesday on “Good Morning America” and “Nightline.”

NEW MUSIC: Meet Next Generation Jackson...Austin Brown

Let me introduce you to the next generation JACKSON – AUSTIN BROWN!

The obvious hook is his famous family, but there’s more to Austin than just his bloodline. Austin is the son of Rebbie Jackson and the nephew of Michael and Janet Jackson. And though he’s aware of the media pressure that comes with being an artist that’s related to The King of Pop, Austin says, “I’m not going to hide who I am—I’m proud of where I come from.” As he recently told INTERVIEW magazine, “The fact that I’m his nephew might raise some curiosity, but you still have to show people what you’re going to bring to the table artistically—and I’m going to work my butt off to do something new.” 

Check out his new single, “All I Need’ – which he recently performed on Lopez Tonight.

In addition to being a singer and a songwriter, Austin plays guitar, bass, drums, piano and dances. He’s gearing up for the release of his debut album, 85 (the year he was born), which will hit in early 2012 on his own label, The Royal Factory. He’s been covered by “Access Hollywood,” MTV, Billboard, People, Us Weekly, AOL Music, and many others. 

Here’s Austin discussing the album on MTV.com -
http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/578059/meet-austin-brown-michael-jacksons-nephew.jhtml

For additional information, please visit www.austinbrown.com or follow him on twitter @austinbrown

Courtesy  of Nina at  BWR PR

Independent Music Artist...Here is Your Shot To Perform at the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival

For the first time, Reyka Vodka— the first vodka to be distilled and bottled in Iceland – is bringing three American bands to Reykjavik to perform at the internationally celebrated Iceland Airwaves Music Festival taking place October 12-16, 2011 alongside this year’s lineup which boasts headliner Björk with her Biophilia live show, Beach House, Agent Fresco, Sin Fang, SBTRKT, The Violet May, John Grant and a host of international acts.

By simply uploading three original tracks, photos and a biography/website link to the official Breakthrough at Iceland Airwaves SoundCloud account (http://soundcloud.com/groups/breakthrough-at-airwaves), any U.S.-based artist or band can formally enter the competition. Iceland Airwaves will review and judge all eligible entries submitted.

Prize package includes a performance on the Iceland Airwaves stage and off venue gigs, featured airplay on Icelandic radio, access to Iceland Airwaves performances and events at Reykjavik's hottest venues, as well as a tour of the Golden Circle and airfare and hotel accommodations for one week.

The contest will close September 5, 2011 with the winners to be announced September 15, 2011.
SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFO

Special Thanks to Alex Osorio

Ebony Magazine Salutes The Black Benefactors And Celebrates With A Reception in Washington DC

Ideal PR Media is excited to announce that the Black Benefactors is featured in August 2011 issue of EBONY Magazine (With Tyler Perry on the cover) for its outstanding efforts in giving within the Black Community. The Black Benefactors is a giving circle whose donations provide grants to organizations serving African American children, youth and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. However, you do not have to live in the Washington, DC area to give or be a contributing member. How awesome!



The Black Benefactors will celebrate with the Black Benefactor's Ebony Magazine Feature Party for current and future members on Friday August 26, 2011 in Washington, DC from 6pm-7:30pm. There is no cover charge for invited guest to attend. However, space is limited, and while the event list is currently full, people who are interested in attending can sign up to be on the waiting list HERE.

If you have ever thought about giving to an organization, but was not sure where to start, check out the Black Benefactors. You do not have to live in the Washington, DC area or be an African American to be a part of this organization. The monies raised simply benefit the Black community in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

To learn about this organization and other organizations who give to the Black community, visit Tracey Webb's site: http://www.blackgivesback.com/

Vintage Just Got A New Look "Vintage and Charmed" Store Grand Opening

Story by: Neeta Wooten

Images by: Ideal PR Media

Lynette Voss-Hunter unveiled her new boutique to customers at her Grand Opening today August 13, 2011 for her "Vintage and Charmed" Classic Clothing store in Forestville, Maryland. Previously located down the street from her new location, Lynette outgrew her store within 2 years of its opening. Today, new and loyal customers can enjoy a larger space with many more items to choose from at once.

Vintage and Charmed is an eclectic store with sophisticated style. Each item is uniquely selected by Lynette through "vintage diving."  She originally started selling items on Ebay. The response and demand inspired Lynette to open her store. But this is not Lynette's first business, nor is she new to the fashion and merchandising industry. She has a background in sales with a specialty in finance. She worked at  Nordstrom for 10 years and learned the details about a retail business.

While on maternity leave with her first child, she was inspired to create her first jewelry line called "The VOSS" (from her "Vintage and Charmed Jewelry" collection). This line was made from vintage pieces and would eventually be sold at Nordstrom. 

In the store, you will find everything from vintage MCM handbags and Lilli Ann coats, to Oscar De La Renta dresses, Prada, Richard Tyler and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. The store commonly carries hard to find brands such as HCL.

Customer Leisa Washington with store owner Lynette

Ms. Leisa Washington traveled all the way from Northwest, Washington, DC to be at the grand opening. She has been shopping with Ms Lynette for over 3 years. "Before she (Lynette) opened her original store 2 years ago, I would hire her as my personal shopper and stylist," said Leisa. "She has taught me a lot about fashion." She noted that Lynette can take something basic and change the smallest details and make whatever it is fabulous. Leisa walked out with two pair of fierce shoes and had her eye on a sleek black dress that she said she would be coming back to purchase.

 Although the customers in the store had unique styles, they all agreed that Lynette has an eye for fashion. This ability did not develop over night. Lynette is very accomplished with her businesses, is very well grounded and knows where her blessings come from.


She is very happy about the new store location, but her true excitement appears to come from the satisfaction of her longtime customers.  Lynette said, "Customers tell me all the time to increase my prices, but I want to always offer my clients designer finds for dirt cheap prices." 

"I sell my items according to what I get for them, not for what I can get for it," said Lynette.
Her first customer of this grand opening was a new person. Lynette said the customer was very complimentary and amazed at the quality and the price tag noting that she would be back on a regular basis.

Store owner Lynette with the store's HR director JanetJanet

Lynette's sister Janet is the Human Resources Director for the store. She noted that the transition from the previous location to the new one has been very promising. In fact, the response has been so well that they have applications on hold.

Janet is proud of her sister. "She (Lynette) could always put fashion together...but she is very humble, always giving compliments to others."


For now, visiting the store in person is the only way to catch these pieces for yourself. However, Lynette does anticipate that she will begin to provide select items through her online store based on her customers' requests. 


Be sure to visit Lynette at the Vintage and Charmed clothing store Tuesdays - Saturdays 11am - 7pm at the Parston Square Shopping Center at 7830 Forestville Road, Forestville, MD 20747 (The entrance to the store is on the side street of Parston square and not from the main road).


A very special thanks goes out to Lynette and Janet for being very kind to Ideal PR Media while visiting her store.