The lights at Hotel ZaZa weren’t the only things that were lit Friday night two days before Super Bowl LI! The Star-Studded Charity Event benefited the T.R.U.T.H. Project and AFCA (American Foundation for Children with Aids). While the Truth Project educates and mobilizes the LGBTQ communities of color through social arts that promotes mental, emotional, and sexual health; the AFCA provides support to infected and affected HIV+ children and their caregivers. Definitely a worthy cause to support, and boy did they support it.

We received an intimate concert with former Houstonian now living in Los Angeles, Leela James and Grammy-Nominated singer Eric Benet. The real McCoy, Lisa Raye, showed up and spoke with us about why she could be anywhere in the world right now but she was about “giving back, and bringing awareness, and using my platform for the betterment of who we are [as a people]”. She wasn’t the only one about positivity and change. NFL Ray Lewis showed up as well to support the cause and spent lots of time in the dance floor with Ms. McCoy. They literally stayed on the dance floor, but how could they now, with legendary DJ/Producer/Artist Biz Markie on the 1s and 2s. Even "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality stars NeNe Leaks and Cynthia Bailey, ventured from their VIP spot onto the hotel's main ballroom dance floor. Even the Texans GM and his lovely wife walked the red carpet joined with Steven A. Smith, Nephew Tommy, and more!

Now let’s talk food! I saw a lot of pictures of celebrities, what I didn’t see was a lot of pictures of food. Although Houston is known for its great food, the Monarch is king when it comes to events such as these. Their Hors d’oeuvres were amazing! So we would like to give a huge kudos to the chef! Lamb chop lollipops, Shrimp Cocktails, Chicken Kabobs, Fried artichoke balls (sweet and sour chili sauce), and more was a perfect pairing for the open bar. The event was produced by the family owned Pomp & Circumstance Extravagant Events, headed by Charlene Shackelford and Claudette Foreman, with Endicott & Company handling publicity. Take an amazing venue, a great cause, delicious food, endless drinks, an artsy silent auction, two mini concerts, and sprinkle it with some stars, and you have the best pre-superbowl party in Houston. Thanks Hotel ZaZa for the invite!