On Tuesday, July 15th, The Sunset Room in Hollywood became the backdrop for a night of generosity and unity as celebrities, athletes, artists, and community leaders came together for the Pre-ESPY Charity Celebration.
The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for those impacted by the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The evening centered on themes of hope, recovery, and community resilience. Guests were treated to a VIP experience, complete with gourmet cuisine curated by Chef Nikita Leone, who was on America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation (Season 2).
The evening was hosted by Ray-Ray McCloud III, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, who not only emceed the festivities but also took the stage for a high-energy performance with Ronte of Legendary Tribe. A special surprise performance by actress and musician Bre-Z had the crowd on its feet as she joined Ray-Ray for a show-stopping moment.
Throughout the evening, emotional speeches helped establish a celebratory tone, conveying messages of solidarity and support. Todd Becker, lead attorney at Becker Law Group, shared,
This fire is personal to me because it’s my hometown, and I will do what I can to support the community.”
Charles Singleton, CEO of TreImage, echoed the sentiment, stating,
Events like this remind us of the strength and compassion in our community.” Michelle Stokes, founder of Clinch Entertainment, added, “It’s heartening to see so many people come together for a common cause. Every contribution makes a difference.”
The red carpet was buzzing with familiar faces, including celebrated athletes and television personalities who turned out in full support of the cause. Notable guests included:
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Clarence Verdin – Former Pro Bowl NFL player
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Elliette Jackson – Defensive Coach, Houston Texans
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Marcus Lovett Jr. – International pro basketball player
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Elizabeth Vargas – Real Housewives of Orange County, Host of Girl Talk
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Jennifer Aydin – Real Housewives of New Jersey
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Erica Rose – The Bachelor, Below Deck
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Porscha Coleman – Hollywood Today Live, Dad Stop Embarrassing Me
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Kareem Grimes – All American
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Tia P. – Rhythm & Flow (Netflix)
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YesJulz – Influencer
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Daphnique Springs – Comedian and star of LOL Live with Daphnique Springs (Hulu)
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Dr. Sam Nguyen – Socialite, philanthropist, entrepreneur
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Jordan McCloud – American football quarterback
The musical lineup also featured an impressive roster of artists and industry talent, including:
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Kosine – 9x Grammy-nominated producer
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Chef Sean – Chart-topping artist and actor
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Briannagh D. – Singer-songwriter
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Jozzy – Co-writer of “Old Town Road”
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4rest – Grammy-nominated alt-soul artist and songwriter
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Albert “Skido” Ortiz – Entertainment & sports consultant
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Chico Brown – CEO of Cinema Libre Diversity, producer & author
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Mishel Thorpe – Host of Girl Talk
By the end of the night, the event had not only generated vital resources for those affected by the Eaton Fire but also helped shine a light on the entertainment and sports communities’ dedication to social impact.