Washington, D.C. - Behind the Bench, (BTB) The National Basketball Wives Association will host an “Afternoon of Philanthropy” luncheon on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the luxurious SLS Hotel Beverly Hills to honor Golden Globe Award Winner and Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett; actor, director, producer Penny Marshall and Executive Director, Jenesse Center, Karen Earl, all who have made significant philanthropic contributions in their communities and in communities across the nation.
DeShawn Snow, formerly of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Chef Nikki Shaw, host, KBLX Today’s Flavor will both serve as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Highlights of the luncheon will include an awards ceremony, live auction and fashion show.
Charrisse Jackson Jordan, President of Behind the Bench said, “We are excited to be honoring such a magnificent group of women who have done extraordinary work and made a significant contribution in their commitment to community service. “We applaud them for their dedication to fulfilling the needs of others and becoming a catalyst for change in their community. “We thank them for Touching a Life.”
The luncheon is taking place during the week of the organization’s annual conference that is being held at the W Hotel Beverly Hills from September 17-20. This focus of this year’s conference “A Time for Change,” is in alignment with the organization’s philanthropic endeavors to effect change in the communities across the nation. The conference will feature a number of seminars as well as local events and activities that will provide the participants with the necessary tools to help enhance and engage them personally, economically, philanthropically and socially.
The ladies of Behind the Bench will participate in various community outreach activities. Charrisse Jackson Jordan along with several other BTB wives will tour Children's Hospital Los Angeles and also visit with some of the children as well as hand out goodie bags. They will also be engaged in a Day of Community Service at the Jenesse Center, the oldest domestic violence abuse center in the country which services approximately 2,000 families a year.
Behind the Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association is an organization comprised of a diverse group of dynamic and talented wives of active and retired professional basketball players. The mission is to enhance communities through volunteer service and to financially assist charitable organizations. The association has contributed over $1 million to various charitable programs across the United States.