June 6, 2007 - The Washington Mystics Foundation held its first annual
gala to raise awareness and proceeds to assist in the total well being of area youth.
Headlined this year by comedian/actor,
Cedric The Entertainer, and MC'd by CBS news correspondent, Michelle Miller the gala was a purposeful display of fine dining, great fun, and blissful ambiance.
The evening’s theme, dubbed
The Motown Review, included appearances by several Mystics players adorned in 70s style attire and hairstyles. Teammates Nikki Blue, Tamara James, and Alana Beard appeared in the retro look of
the 70s complete with Afro wigs and go-go boots.
Several items were auctioned during
the gala’s live auction event to include a Dave Matthews Band V.I.P. package that sold for $3,000. Also auctioned was a Salamander Wine Dinner that includes dinner and wine at the private wine cellar of
Dr. Johnson and husband, the Honorable William T. Newman, Jr.
Through liaisons with several organizations,
schools, and local businesses the Foundation provides education and an action plan to assist youth in combating child hood
obesity with its ‘Mystics In Training’, and ‘Mystics Mile’ programs where students are encouraged
to make better food choices, as well as to walk a mile on a regular basis.
In keeping with that spirit, the
Foundation and the Washington Mystics will give away pedometers, devices that count the number of steps taken while walking,
to the first 5,000 fans at this Friday's, May 8th game with the Indiana Fever.
In an era where kids choose to play
video games over exercise, and where schools have either decreased or done away with exercise or recess, and have increased
the amount of vending and soda machines, the message from the Mystics Foundation is timely.
A study by the Center for Disease Control suggests that more than 15% of America’s children are overweight.
The Mystics Foundation has partnered
with area schools to get the message out about total well-being that not only emphasizes eating right and physical fitness,
but also how to deal with tough teen issues such as violence, school safety,
and more.
The Foundation has already had one
of several planned Teen Forums where local government officials, students, celebrities, and special guests gather to discuss such issues.
This year’s gala, with a menu
that included an avocado and roasted sweet corn pillar, along with olive and pistachio crusted rack of lamb and Maryland crab
cake as the appetizer and entrees, was held at the lush Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Next year’s gala is being planned
at the prestigious Salamander Hospitality resort in beautiful Middleburg, Virginia.
In the News:
The Washington Mystics to host the WNBA All Star July 15, 2007.
Mystics owner, former BET co-owner speaks out about rap music.
Mystics Host An Evening of Inspiration
Related:
Childhood Obesity
Center's for Disease Control
