*The ballroom at the Regent Santa Monica Beach stirred with energy from the very first moment. The bustling VIP reception set the tone—guests mingled under soft lighting, tray-passers glided through with hors d’oeuvres, and conversations quickly filled the air.
Moments later, the main reception opened with a silent auction and a row of vendors, while a violinist on electric strings filled the space with classical renditions of contemporary hits. The performance, elegant and modern, gave the room a Bridgerton-esque sophistication—graceful, stylish, and alive with anticipation.
The “Waves of Hope” Gala, presented by Holliday’s Helping Hands, brought together community leaders, entertainers, and philanthropists for an evening that balanced glamour with heartfelt impact.
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Jasmine Simpkins guided the evening with effortless charm and warmth. She delivered opening remarks, then moved beyond the podium to engage young people who had directly benefited from the organization’s programs—mixing heart and humor while guiding the flow of the event.
When the program began, attention turned to the live auction, where bidding quickly became enthusiastic. Guests raised paddles high as the auctioneer’s calls echoed through the ballroom. Each bid was a testament to why everyone was there—to make a difference.
Between program segments, the DJ spun upbeat favorites from across the decades, giving the audience a lively breather before the next presentation. During one of these interludes, recording artist MAJOR. —known for his hit “Why I Love You”—took to the dance floor, showing off smooth moves and easy charisma as the crowd clapped along. The moment captured the spirit of the night—joyful, sincere, and full of gratitude.
Later, Grammy-nominated soul singer Eric Benét took the stage, performing several of his greatest hits. As he crooned through favorites, a clamor of female fans gathered near the stage, cheering and singing along. The room’s energy rose to a crescendo—equal parts admiration and nostalgia.
Honorees included Thaddeus M. Bullard, known to millions as WWE star Titus O’Neil, and singer MAJOR. Although Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was listed as an honoree, she did not attend. Still, Bullard and MAJOR. took center stage, embodying the evening’s theme of service and celebration.
Bullard, honored for his national philanthropic work and commitment to community empowerment, reflected humility throughout the night. The former football player turned humanitarian has made it his mission to create opportunities for underserved families through his Bullard Family Foundation.
“Getting an award from an organization like this not only highlights what I’ve done, but it also brings credit to what they’re doing,” Bullard said. “I always try to be a lighthouse for great organizations, and for them to honor me, I definitely want to honor them tonight as well.”
Around the ballroom, vendors and program partners showcased how Holliday’s Helping Hands impacts lives—from transitional housing and job training to wellness programs and support for individuals moving from homelessness to stability. Each display told a story of restoration and dignity.
For founder Katina Holliday, the evening reflected more than an anniversary—it reflected purpose. “When I think about Holliday’s Helping Hands, I think about the heart and soul of what we do,” she said. “I’ve always believed that when people live in a better environment, they’re inspired to be better.”
Her words echoed the spirit of the evening—celebrating dignity, transformation, and hope made tangible through service.
From the column: Black in the Green Room By Keith L. Underwood – Follow: @mrkeithlunderwood (IG), @blackinthegreenroom (IG), YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook
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