I finally met Toni Braxton!! Earlier this week… Lupus LA held it’s annual Cuisine for a Cause fundraising event and the seven grammy award winner made an appearance! The gala took place on Sunday April 27 at Vibiana, a beautiful event space in downtown Los Angeles. I was fascinated to learn the venue is a formal Catholic cathedral for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
This phenomenal evening of gourmet dining and philanthropy brought together a community of beloved chefs and supporters with a shared commitment to advancing lupus research, patient services and advocacy initiatives. Toni Braxton is not only an advocate for Lupus awareness but was diagnosed with the disease in 2008. She attended the gala to honor/award comedian Cedric “The Entertainer” with Lupus LA’s Loop Award.
We all know and love Cedric The Entertainer from his hits The Neighborhood, Barbershop, The Proud Family, The Original Kings of Comedy. As a board member of the National Arthritis Foundation, The Alliance for Patient Access, and President of Gout Support Groups of America.. he is also a true advocate for the cause.
Spring of 2024… he and Anthony Anderson launched their new AC Barbeque seasonings “All Day” and “Carolina Wine”. Wish Cedric had a few bottles in his pocket for tasting… lol. Can’t wait to try it!
Speaking of dining… y’all the FOOD was incredible!!! Take a look at a few dishes from participating chefs: Neal Fraser of Redbird – Korean Glazed Pork Ribs & Cabbage Slaw
Kevin Meehan of Koast – Crispy Scallop Cake : These small cakes were sooo good… I couldn’t stop eating them!!!
Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza – Tamal de Mole (Vegan) : First time ever trying this dish. With her special sauce… I honestly thought it tasted like chocolate cake 🙂
Other chefs included Tal Ronnen of Crossroads, Antonia Lofaso of DAMA & SCOPA and Caroline Styne of a.o.c., and Suzanne Goin of a.o.c.
As I was leaving the event… Toni Braxton was STILL meeting & greeting fans. She was so gracious and beautiful in her fitted jumpsuit and pop of orange. I have photographed her many times… but was able to have a small chat about mutual friends from ATL and snap a selfie before chauffeurs led her to the car. I’m not too happy about my appearance in this pic… AND I forgot to wear earrings. But i’ll take one for the team. 🙂
About Lupus LA
An independent national nonprofit based in LA committed to finding the causes of and a cure for lupus while providing support, services, and hope to those living with this autoimmune disease. Through fundraising events, community outreach, and advocacy, Lupus LA strives to improve the lives of lupus patients both in Los Angeles and across the world.
Special thanks to Getty Images for the assignment.
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