The Belle Report
New York, NY — The American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke (PTES) campaign initiative wrapped up last week with a major event on Friday, May 7, 2010. The 4th Annual Power Awards Gala celebration stopped by the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York City. The event was hosted by comedian George Willborn with special guest appearances/performances by Cissy Houston, Alfonzo Blackwell, Cassandra Wilson, Smokie Norful, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, the Army National Guard, and the Most Powerful Voices Choir Competition winners. The event will be televised on The Word Network. This year’s Ambassador Honorees included Kirk Franklin, Juaquin Hawkins, Lexi Allen, Dottie Peoples, Doylce Trigg and Shannon Nash.
The legendary Apollo Theater has featured the best of the best in entertainment that the world has to offer for over 75 years now. Last year marked its 75th Anniversary and a special Gala fundraiser celebration event was held which included appearances/performances by Prince, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, The O’Jays, Bill and Camille Cosby to list a few. The Power Awards Gala is fashioned to exude the same uplifting mood and vibe with powerful performances by Alfonzo Blackwell, Cassandra Wilson, Smokie Norful and many more. The event was a concert style awards show that honored the American Heart Association Ambassadors who through tireless efforts and have increased national and global awareness of the affects of heart disease and stroke. Sax Star and National AHA Ambassador Alfonzo Blackwell states, “It gives me great pleasure to lend my time and support to this extremely important health initiative through Power To End Stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the top 3 causes of death in America and we need to put an end to that. We have the power to end stroke. I urge everyone to make healthier lifestyle choices through diet and regular exercise. I’m on a mission to continue my support to further this cause.”
The Power Awards Weekend started with the highly popular Power Awards Gala celebration on Friday, May 7th and wrapped up on Saturday, May 8th with the Power Luncheon at the Le Parker Meridien Hotel. The celebrity keynote speaker was Hill Harper, author and acclaimed actor and there will be a special performance by Kevin LeVar and Smokie Norful.
