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Reginald Van Lee, Joyce Jackson, Ronald K. Brown

A banner afternoon it was at the home of Bernard H.  and Joyce Jackson for the 7th Annual On Our Toes in the Hamptons” celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Evidence, A Dance Company.*** This year’s event honored Prince Kunle Omilana and wife princess Keisha Omilana, who are each longtime supporters,  the event was co-chaired by Reginald Van Lee.

Touted as the premiere  African-American cultural  event of the season the annual performance and fund raising gala offered cocktails, auction and performance.   Early  on,  guests were afforded an incredible to sign up and bid online for an array of auction items  ranging from a a gorgeous Judith Leiber handbag **** to  a 7 night travel package at a beautiful Elite island resort all via Charitybuzz.

Princess Keisha Omilana & Prince Kunle Omilana

The three hour event meant a  bevy of prominent guests were present including Emmy winning Actress Lynn Whitfield, Susan Taylor, and the renowned Judith Jamison among others.   Other noteworthy attendees included: Andrea and Maurice DuBoise, Noel Hankin, Kephra Burns, Caron Wheeler, Dwayne Ashley, Gayle Monroe Perry, Veronica Claypool, Lesilie Mays, Zaid-Abdul -Aleem, Monica F. Azare, Joanne E. Hill,  Andrea Hoffman, Jennifer Streaks, Brian Haynes Copeland,Lisa Walker, Ancy Verdier and Kathleen  Vita.

Actress Lynn Whitfield

The cocktail hour lent to longtime friends and supporters enjoying the picturesque roof deck and pool area over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  On display and available for sale, the specially designed silk Hermes scarf, complete with the Evidence a Dance Company insignia, valued at $375.   Among the attendees were Evidence dancers who mingled just a bit before heading off to prepare for the the performance to come.

Immediately following cocktails all were led to  a grand tent where they were addressed by the kind words of host, Joyce Jackson, who thanked everyone for their continued support, as well as gala chair Reginald Van Lee who proudly showed the Hermes scarf to the captivated crowd.  Ron Brown, Evidence A Dance Company’s Founder also spoke words of thanks to supporters and guests.   Soon after, the performance began, a 15 minute stint of incredible modern dance, we particularly enjoyed seeing dancer Arcelle Cabuag and dancer Francine Elizabth Ott-two stunning standouts.

The party continued at full blast until 7:30 or so with guest taking to the dance floor in style.

***-Evidence a Dance Company founded by Ronald K. Brown is rooted in African dance fusing contemporary jazz and ballet with Rhythms and sounds of the African Diaspora and Caribbean cultures.

****- Judith Leiber jeweled handbags were carried by all Committee Co-Chairs at the event.

*photos by Derrick Salters for The Quest for “it”