By Diane Larché
In the spirit of giving, Café Mocha Radio closed out its outstanding 2019 Salute Her Awards five-city tour by blessing others. In lieu of selling tickets for its final 2019 ceremony in Atlanta December 6 at the Riverside Epicenter (135 Riverside Parkway in Austell, Georgia 30168), they asked guests to bless others by bringing a toy or a $25 gift card for entry, which will be donated to area shelters at The Nicholas House, Hosea House and Atlanta Children’s Shelter.
“This year has been such a blessing and we just wanted to share our good fortune with others,” says Sheila Eldridge, Café Mocha Radio and Salute Her Awards founder. “The amazing women we honor are largely in service to others from well-known to unsung ‘sisters’ who have stepped into their power and making a difference. Thanks to our partners Toyota, AARP, LusterPink, American Airlines, Majic107.5 and NCNW Greater Atlanta we are blessed to pay it forward.”
In addition to donating to area charities, the Salute Her Awards invited Atlanta’s film community to also take part in the celebration. Actors, producers, directors, all crew and the many, many others who make important contributions to the Atlanta film community are welcomed to come celebrate, especially in honor of the incredible Vanessa Bell Calloway who received the Director’s Award. During a career spanning over 30 years, she has been a ray of light in the industry, starring in such classics as Coming To America and What’s Love Got To Do With It, along with portraying Lady Ella Johnson on the Bounce TV hit series Saints & Sinners, filmed in Atlanta.
Other honorees include Emmy award-winning news anchor, investigative reporter and all-around legend Karyn Greer, nationally-recognized motivational speaker/author Sheri Riley, NCNW Greater Atlanta Section President Diane Larché, Pretty Girls Sweat founder strong, Women on the Rise co-founder/executive director Marilynn B. Winn and American Airlines Operations/Customer Service Manager Deneen Hewitt. As with each awards celebration, Toyota honored another outstanding veteran for her service.
Beloved actress/director/producer Terri J. Vaughn who was a 2012 Salute Her honoree was guest co-hosts with Cafe Mocha’s own YoYo and Singer Debra Cox. A musical holiday tribute from Quincy Jones protégé Shelea who was recently tapped to portray gospel singer Dorinda Clark Cole on Lifetime’s upcoming biopic on the Clark Sisters “The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel Clark Sisters was a show highlight.
Along with presenting sponsor Toyota, Sisters From AARP, Luster Pink and American Airlines this was an unforgettable evening of generous love.
Two-time Gracie Award-winning Café Mocha Radio, affectionately known as Radio from a Woman’s Perspective, airs on Sunday evenings from 6 – 8 pm, By amplifying the dialogue around various women’s issues that include family, health, relationships, beauty standards, social justice and entrepreneurship while also shining a spotlight on the positive contributions women of color make, Café Mocha Radio – hosted by Emmy-winning The Real host and comedienne Loni Love, hip-hop pioneer and newest Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood cast member YoYo and radio broadcast veteran Angelique Perrin – has emerged as the #1 radio show for women of color.
Last updated on March 8, 2020
