First Annual Celebration of Hope

If you didn’t make it to the 1st Annual Celebration of Hope featuring Kirk Whalum and friends Jeff Golub and Phillippe Saisse, then shame on you. It was a warm and intimate evening of extraordinary music and heartfelt stories all to benefit Stroke of Hope. The idea was to celebrate the life of Luther Vandross on the 2nd anniversary of his passing.
The reception kicked off in style with Sounds of Blackness member Patricia Lacy- Aiken serenading us with beautiful versions of Luther’s “Dance with My Father” and “I Believe” recorded by Sounds of Blackness. Patricia sang both these tunes as if her life depended on it. Also during the reception, SOH Executive Director Hazella Rollins-Lavar and her husband Jeff LaVar each expressed thanks to everyone involved for their support. Hazella has worked extremely to make this organization and the event associated with it a success but she was busy pointing out all the work put in by others. Not surprising coming from a person as kind as Hazella. Jeff LaVar introduced those in the audience to the beautiful little girl who came into the world only days before Hazella’s stroke, their daughter, Valerie. What a beauty and a blessing that little young lady is.
Just prior to the concert beginning, the audience was shown a video detailing the personal story of Stroke of Hope’s Executive Director, Hazella Rollins-LaVar who is a stroke survivor. To hear the story and see this dedicated and determined woman today brings you tears of joy. She has a wonderful family ( husband and sister in law particularly) who has been with her every step of the way to encourage her and help her rebuild and recover. She has definitely come a long way but admits that she not been nor will she ever be the same since she had her stroke and that she still has some difficulties that may not be obvious to those around her, but they are still there. I think she is remarkable.
As the concert began, the Grace Baptist Church choir put us in the praise spirit right away. I was clapping and praising like I was in the first pew of church on Sunday morning. Kirk Whalum and Friends guitarist Jeff Golub on and keyboardist Phillipe Saisse friends put on an amazing show. Playing a supporting role in the awesome band that night was former David Sanborn drummer Gene Lake and on bass was Ron Jenkins. Kirk also brought his brother, singing sensation Kevin Whalum, his son, future bassist extraordinaire Kyle Whalum who shared duties with Ron, and Rufus Thomas’ daughter, the lovely and talented Vaneese Thomas.
To start off their evening the three friends each performed one of their hits. Then they all assisted Kirk in playing some fan favorites such as Kirk’s Grover Washington tribute tune “Groverworked and Underpaid” and the song that was an R &B hit for Mr. Vandross in 1987 and a Smooth Jazz hit for Kirk 20 years later, “Give Me The Reason.” Kirk did the “family thing” with brother Kevin and son Kyle as they performed a gospel version of the Johnny “Guitar” Watson hit “Ta Ta You Baby” which they renamed “Ta Ta You Jesus”. I love the story that Kirk tells about Kevin teaching his daughters to say thank you and how they end up saying “Ta Ta.” The closing song was a beautiful surprise as Kevin and Vaneese Thomas joined together to sing a classic Luther duet “There’s Nothing Better than Love.” Kirk also took a moment and shared Stroke of Hope was there for his family in helping his Dad as a stroke survivor.
As the show came to a close, Hazella came back to the stage and expressed her gratitude to the performers and audience alike for their support of Stroke of Hope. She even had special gifts for the performers as she presented Jeff and Philippe Saisse with “Stars” and Kirk received a Limited Edition painting. Although Mr. Vandross’ mother Mrs. Mary Ida Vandross was expected to be in attendance, she was unable to do so but she sent love and appreciation to all who were there. No doubt that she will be proud with the report of this successful event and her ever talented son who was taken away way too soon is smiling in Heaven.
So you won’t miss next year, right? Right! I have to say that Kirk’s commitment to this cause is just a testament to the selfless and caring person that he is. It would very easy for him to just send a check or lend his name to the cause without ever really getting involved. But he is willing to do whatever he can to support Stroke of Hope. That is what inspired me to become involved. I may not always have money to give but I can lend my time and energy and I am happy to do so. We have to realize that sometimes it is necessary to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Being supportive doesn’t always mean just writing a check although financial assistance is very important and necessary. So thank you to my Kirk and Ruby for reminding me that there are many ways to give back. I hope those of you reading this are inspired to give back in some form or fashion. You never know the difference you could be making in someone else’s life. I know that becoming involved with Stroke of Hope has made a huge difference in mine.
God Bless you always,
Joy 