Congratulations to the St. Louis’ Gateway Classic Foundation’s Walk of Fame honoree 2013, Ms. Ida Goodwin Woolfolk. Ida’s family is so proud of her award, many accomplishments that led to her personalized star on the Foundation’s Walk of Fame. Ida spent the week with a host of family and friends celebrating her recognition. Daughter Sarah Woolfolk Edwards with hubby Chris Edwards and handsome sons Christopher Edwards and Caleb Edwards flew in from Virginia Beach. Sarah also brought along her mother-in-law Shirley Edwards (New York).
The out-of-towners had a busy week beginning with Ida’s annual Balloon Race Soiree atop her CWE penthouse and ending with the Gateway Classic Foundation’s annual football game. This year Tennessee State showed up and showed out with a marching band of 200-plus members. Final score Tennessee State 73, Central State 6. Sarah and her family had a grand week partying with Mom and all of their immediate and extended family members.
I thoroughly enjoyed Tia Mowry-Hardrict’s new situation comedy Instant Mom showing on Nick@Night. Tia promised fans a new venture when she exited BET’s The Game last year, and this is it. Tia is a new wife and stepmom to three charming children, Sydney Park, Damarr Calhoun and Tylen Williams (younger brother of Tyler James Williams – Everybody Hates Chris). Tylen’s resemblance to brother Tyler is uncanny! Sheryl Lee Ralph has been cast as Tia’s mother. Michael Boatman is her adoring husband. The show airs on Sunday nights at 7:30 p.m. So far, so funny!
Jimmie Williams – owner/founder of Estel Foods, Inc., a McDonald’s franchise) –- is the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Williams’s award will be presented at the Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon). This year’s annual business achievement recognition event will be sponsored by David Steward’s World Wide Technology, Inc. and held at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. Mark your calendars now for November 14 starting at 11 a.m. Call Kate Daniel or Robin Britt at 314-533-8000 to reserve your corporate table now.
Hometown celebrity Nelly is just back from a three-city tour in England, where he and his crew toured and performed with his pal and co-star Robin Thicke in Liverpool. The group also visited and did press in London and Manchester, England. Nelly and The St. Lunatics are thrilled with the response to his recently released CD M.O. The group is also looking forward to the season two premier of BET’s Real Househusbands of Hollywood featuring Nelly and a cast of comics. This spoof on reality shows is hilarious. Can’t wait until October 15!
October 22 is the date slated for the First Annual Power of Women Olympic Gold Gala. The gala to benefit the Jackie Joyner- Kersee Center in East St. Louis will be held in the ballroom of the Ballpark Hilton Hotel in St. Louis. The center founded by Olympic Gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is dear to the Olympian’s heart and one of the many ways she gives back to her community. Jackie’s vision is to expand the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Center; the upcoming gala is a step towards realizing her dreams.
The evening will showcase a bevy of celebrity endorsements, a live and silent auction and photo opportunities for sponsors and VIP guests. Entertainment, great food and exciting company will abound. For additional information please contact Meg Gallagher of Peabody Energy at 314-342-7963.
Ronald and Linda Baker-Roby traveled to Arizona last month with sons Gared and George. The family and spent time at the posh Phoenician resort in Scottsdale. The boys had a wonderful time on their educational day trip to Sedona.
Count it all joy!
Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com; @dgrandolph on Twitter.
