The 2010 Trumpet Awards took place recently and I must say it was a fabulous event! The annual Trumpet Awards acknowledges the accomplishments of men and women who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for all. Several people were honored for their work in the community at the ceremony including; Steve Harvey, Don Jackson, Judge Clarence Cooper, Dr. Farrah Gray, Congresswoman Diane Watson and others. Diane Watson is a favorite of mine because she has known me almost all of my life. I remember working on her campaign when she first ran for state office in California. There I was all of twelve or so holding up a sign and screaming for somebody to elect her to office. She has been like a mom to me and she and my mother are still good friends to this day. Anyway I digress...back to the show.

Presenters for the evening included; Cedric the Entertainer, Wendy Davis, Lance Gross, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Tasha Smith. Finally performers for the show were The Clark Sisters, Rachelle Ferrell, K'Jon, Kiki Sheard, and Kirk Whalum. It was a great program and you should check it out on TV One once it airs.

Now I have to get to the real heart of my story and that is my experience with the Trumpet Awards Dinner and the Gifting Suite for the event. I normally always cover the Trumpet Awards red carpet every year and the show but this year I was invited to the dinner and the gifting suite and I must say I absolutely loved it!

First thank you to my girl Beverly who was my seat partner at the Georgia Power table...dinner is always best with the best company. Second Erica Campbell (not from Mary Mary but from Soriee 365!) the host and organizer of the gifting suite...girl thank you for the invite! Her company Soriee' 365 was the sponsor of the entire suite and responsible for securing the vendors and items for the participants. When I got the e-mail from Erica requesting for me to receive the gifts and write about them here at Bellaonline.com I thought...um ok it's a hard job but somebody has to do it.

Gifts from the Trumpet Awards Gifting Suite

So off to the Hyatt Hotel I went and there I enjoyed a scrumptious meal and conversation with the likes of Roland Martin, TJ Holmes and my girl Diane Watson. After dinner I made my way down to the suite where gifts from some of the top businesses were there for the taking. From the delicious red velvet cupcake from Red Velvet Catering by Angela Foster to the flower power afro lady shirt from Swarthy Daisy there was something there for everyone. Signature store Macy's donated red gift bags full of sample cologne from Usher and Christian Audigier of Ed Hardy. There was wine from South Africa, all natural Shea butter body lotion from RA Cosmetics, a water bottle full of candy and travel tags from Kumani Travel, Toure’Botanica gave us wonderful body lotions, and we received candles, bags of candy and gift wrapped candy bars from Soiree 365. Overall it was a great collection of swag and I must say I was impressed with everything.

I’m sure for the honorees who received all of these wonderful items it was like Christmas time for them. I’m sure they truly appreciated all of the goods and what a way to for the Trumpet staff to say thank you for all that you do.

I hope next year I get to attend both functions for they are truly wonderful events…good job Erica and Ms. Clayton!