The Performers of Hampton Roads
Auditions were held: February 5th, March 5th, & April 9th of 2011
Waterside, Downtown Norfolk
Focus: To recognize the diverse talent in the region.

Event Description: This series of three auditions was held at Waterside and was a positive community search for who would be allowed to perform at the 2011 Hampton Roads Gala among other finalists. The panel of judges for the series of auditions included a Grammy Award winning producer from Moria Entertainment. We would like to give a special thanks to Waterside for a great venue, Brian Pinner for handling the sound to perfection, AFR Event Furnishings for professional furnishings, and the Atlanta Bread Company for delicious food.

The Wedding Exclusive
June 10, 2011
The Water Table, Virginia Beach (Upstairs)
Focus: To recognize our state slogan - Virginia is for Lovers.

Event Description: This event was an educational cocktail event that presented the national services of the Bridal Dish and other local heavy hitters in the event planning industry that walked individuals through the challenges of how to build the perfect wedding day. We would like to give a special thanks to The Bridal Dish, The Water Table, East Beach Catering, BridesMade, Maya Couture, Blue Steel Lighting Design, Distinctive Event Rentals, Ramone Permel of Ramone Photography Studio, Southside Ground Transportation, and DJ Roger Cruz for all their support.

The Hampton Roads Gala VIP Function
June 14, 2011
Chrysler Hall, Downtown Norfolk (Upstairs)
Focus: To recognize a diverse view of Hampton Roads.

Event Description: This sponsored invitation only, black-tie event, was hosted by WVEC 13 News anchor, Janet Roach and former co-host of Living the Life on ABC Family Channel, Carolyn Castleberry. This event included an inside look at the challenges that have founded some of Hampton Roads unknown non-profit organizations. Entertainment for the evening was selected from the finalists of the Performers of Hampton Roads talent search that gave youth an awesome spotlight and platform. The Hampton Roads Pulse Awards ceremony recognized local citizens, business leaders, non-profit military organizations, non-profit organizations, students and humanitarians. The regional unification campaign was also unveiled and presented to continue and encourage partnership among local areas, businesses, organizations and citizens.

Overwhelming letters of support were received from Senator Mark Warner, Senator Jim Webb, Congressman Scott Rigell, Norfolk Mayor, Paul Fraim, and the economic development departments of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. Away messages were played from individuals that could not attend the event such as NBC’s Al Roker and Fidel Ramos, the 12th President of the Philippines.

We would like to give a special thanks to the event planner selected for this year’s event, Jennifer La Londe Events and the award winning photographer, Keith Cephus of Keith Cephus Photography who has shot for the Redskins to the President of the United States; The Chrysler Hall for a highly professional venue; East Beach Catering for the fantastic dining experience; Elite Presentation for the best audio visual services; Ice Art, Inc. for eye-catching Ice bars; Image Entertainment for great video coverage; Char’s Floral Designs for the elegant flowers; Arch Entertainment for keeping us in good movement; Shockley’s Sweet Shoppe for a delicious cake; Maya Couture for the Hollywood styling; and the amazing awards that were provided by Signs, Plaques and More with a host of other dynamic participants.

Congratulations to the 2011 Hampton Roads Gala Pulse Award winners:
Pete Decker, Jr. of the Decker Law Firm, winner of the Dr. Juan Montero III Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Fort Norfolk Medical Plaza founded by Dr. Keith Newby, winner of the Business Award.
Hope House Foundation, winner of the Non-profit Award.
Operation Homefront, winner of the Military Non-profit Award.
James Elam, Jr. founder of the Dunamis Christian Center, winner of the Citizen Award.
Paul Boller, winner of the Student Award presented by Regent University.
Bria Kelly, winner of the Performers of Hampton Roads (chosen by the Hampton Roads Gala attendees.)

The Hampton Roads Gala Evening of Leaders
June 14, 2011
Chrysler Hall, Downtown Norfolk (Downstairs)
Focus: To promote relationships among local citizens.

Event Description: This sponsored event was free to the public and provided an atmosphere to network, enjoy some great food, and build relationships. A special thanks to Ice Art, Inc. for an amazing ice bar, Boardwalk Photo Booth Company for on-location pictures to remember the day, and Vivid Expressions for their overwhelming talent in developing caricatures for our guests.