The 3rd Annual
Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner
Observances by Denise Estelle, HTF Founder
The
3rd Annual Honor Thy Father Awards Dinner took place this
past Fathers Day June 20th at the Proud Bird Restaurant in
Los Angeles. Estelle for Humanity in conjunction with KIA & Associates
and CORE-CA presented the event. We had lights, camera, and action right
here in our neighborhood, "honoring our own," said Denise Estelle, CEO
of Estelle & Associates, and Estelle for Humanity. This wasn't about
the rapper, actor or movie star. Honor Thy Father was about honoring the
men in our homes, in our churches and in our workplace. It was standing
room only as we heard testimony from family and friends. We honored men
like Bobby Crews who serves as a primary male figure at the Little Lambs
Training Center in Carson. He is known as "Uncle Bobby" to many young
boys and girls whose own fathers are not active in their lives. We
honored Mr. Robert Randy Winston a college counselor at Crenshaw High
School who has worked with volunteers of America for 10 years, helping
prepare thousands of children for college. He has driven student's
cross-country, brought furniture and food out of his own pocket. He's a
track coach and a youth minister. Happily married to Shelley Winston for
28 years. Michelle Ballard a family friend summed it up by saying
Robert Randy Winston lives for his family and to serve others. Earl Mark
Lindsey a foster father to three grandchildren helped cared for three
elderly family members in their 90's, and worked a job. James Burks of
the African Marketplace was on hand to honor his dad James Burks Sr.
Who raised six kids and is the Great Grandfather of five. John Bryant
of Operation Hope honored his dad who inspired him at age 10 to start
his first business. These are just some of the stories. This event
allowed family and friends to honor and celebrated fathers Day in grand
style. Some of these men were honored for the very first time. These are
the role models; these are the men we see, feel, and touch.
John Bryant CEO of Operation Hope delivered a powerful Keynote Speech. Adrian Dove and Pat Bankhead were the Master and Mistress of Ceremony. The Celes King III Prestigious Award was introduced last year. This top award was designed by world-renowned Tina Allen, this award went to Mr. Leon Garr who has built an Empire here in Los Angeles. Our Community Vanguard Award went to Mr. Bernard Parks Councilman of the 8th District, Mr. George Parks Esquire, Rev. Mark Whitlock-FAME, and Torre Reese of FAMLI, Inc. The entertainment was by jazz pianist Victor Gould . Cee Cee Michaela from Girl-Friends came out and surprised the audience with two songs. We came together as business's family and community , we paid tribute to our men with the rhythmic sounds of The Los Angeles Drum Essemble, directed by Javuzi Bojangles . Working behind the scenes were Jerry Kiper of KIA and Associates, Ms. Teri King of Celes King Bail Bonds Agency, Prince Zaire of LA Inside Out, Crystal Nix, and Leland Smith were our stage managers.