The Motown Legacy Continues!
The Motown legacy continued when Friends of Fuller B. Gordy held one of the most prestigious family-oriented charity events, The 9th Annual Friends of Fuller “Strikefest”, on Wednesday, November 9. The event was held at Corbin Bowling Center, 19616 Ventura Boulevard. Tarzana, CA.
The evening brought together noted entertainment celebrities, politicians, prominent business leaders and Motown Alumni such as, Motown Founder, Berry Gordy, Mary Wilson (Original Supremes), the Honorable Diane Watson, actress Dawnn Lewis (Major Crimes), singer Thelma Houston, Louis Price (Temptations), Claudette Robinson (The Miracles), Scherrie Payne (Supremes), Brenda Lee Eager, Willie Tyler & Lester, and others to celebrate the legacy of late Motown Executive, Fuller B. Gordy, for a memorable night of competition bowling, catered buffet, silent auction, which included Smokey Robinson concert tickets with a backstage meet-and-greet and his autographed book and Skinphonic products, item by former NBA Champion and Los Angeles Laker, Kobe Bryant, signed art by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal among many other unique items, Strikefest Karaoke Lounge, Flip Book Fun and trophies were awarded to the bowling winners.
Capping off the evening with exciting live stage performances were C.J. Emmons of Dancing With the Stars, who sang “Crazy” and Nina Simone’s “Work Song”, the beautiful new and emerging girl group TBA, who performed “My Guy” and “Best of My Love”, saxophonist Alvin McKinney, and Motown Alumni Charlene sang her hit single, “I’ve Never Been To Me.”
Being honored this year were two non-profits, Jenesse Center, Inc., Karen Earl, CEO, a center providing victims of domestic violence and their children with a comprehensive centralized base of support that is culturally responsive, and ensures their transition from immediate crisis to stability and self-sufficiency, and Lifedriven Foundation, Inc., Chris Angelo Word, CEO, a foundation which provides solutions to social problems that help to enhance the lives and circumstances of children and adults in disadvantaged communities.
Product supporters for Friends of Fuller included Universal Music Group, THE Blvd Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills, EBONY Media, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Vibrato Grill Jazz, Motown Museum, Image Spa MD, KIND, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Mercedes-Benz of Encino, Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Miguel Hererra Art, Morgan Bailey Coffee, Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, Party Rock, Art by Steve R. Allen, Sweet Dreams, Koo Koo Liqueur, and others.
Fuller B. Gordy, a Motown VP, and older brother of Motown Founder, the legendary Berry Gordy, were known throughout the entertainment industry, as a caring humanitarian and mentor too many. In the early 60’s, Gordy also gained recognition as a successful bowler, becoming the first Black Bowler, from Michigan, to be inducted into the Professional Bowlers Association.
As a tribute to his humanitarian and bowling legacies, Fuller’s daughter, a former Motown vice president, Iris Gordy and granddaughter, television and social media talk show host Karla Gordy Bristol, founded the Friends of Fuller (FOF) “Strikefest” in 2008. Iris and Karla said they are already gearing up for their 10th anniversary FOF production, which will be in November 2017.
The 9th Annual Friends of Fuller B. Fuller “Strikefest” evening was produced by Friends of Fuller B. Gordy and Bristol Entertainment.
