The African Royalty Gala was truly an amazing evening of culture, celebration, and creativity. Despite the rainy weather, guests traveled from Georgia, Ohio, Las Vegas, New Jersey, New York, and throughout the DMV to attend the African Royalty Gala.
Not only was this an event celebrating the birthday of CEO/Founder, Dr. Adama Kalokoh, but it also celebrated the powerful journey of Impact Sierra Leone (ISL). The inaugural African Royalty Gala took place on Saturday May 20th and celebrated five years of impacting lives as an organization and twenty years of providing aid and assistance to the family unit, from the USA to Africa. The ambiance of the evening was captured through the beautiful décor, the delicious food catered by K’s Delicious Cuisine and Swahili Village restaurant; the cultural performances and fashion show; the phenomenal sounds from the DJ and the beautiful African attire worn by African and non-African.
Guests enjoyed delights such as jollof rice, plantains, seasoned salmon, samosas, and suya. The host for the evening was none other than Almira Leonche, co-creator of the African Royalty Gala, founder of Second Chance Fashion and a multitalented female entrepreneur. Her vibrant personality ensured guests were thoroughly entertained for the entire night. This was truly a birthday with a purpose and an amazing way to officially launch ISL.
The highlight of the evening was a beautiful slideshow compiled with photos and videos showing ISL’s work through its Seeds of Life Program- this slideshow gave guests a deeper look into our work since we launched in 2019 and was accompanied by melodic African sounds from the continent. This slideshow was created with love and took guests on a journey to Sierra Leone with a direct voyage to our partner community, Foindu Village which is where we launched the Seeds of Life Program. The slideshow gave a glimpse into how we have been reaching the unreachable spreading hope and compassion through resources, special events, school support, faring support, orphan support, and more! Following the slideshow was an amazing fashion show with designers from all over the region as well as African dance performances.
There were many notable dignitaries at this event including the Mayor of Glenarden, Honorable Cashenna Cross, members of the Sierra Leone Embassy, Mohamed Kosia and Mariama Keita and members of G’s Victory International, just to name a few. The mayor provided a special address pledging her support for Impact Sierra Leone and encouraging us to continue moving the mission forward in Sierra Leone and beyond. Following this, board member Yeabu Conteh as well as sibling Fatmatta Conteh joined the CEO on stage to address guests and share how their parents, especially their father inspired them to give back to Sierra Leone.
The CEO showed guests extreme appreciation to all those who came out to support us and encouraged everyone to continue supporting Impact Sierra Leone monthly as a sponsor so that we could continue our great work. The CEO also mentioned the possibility of an upcoming mission trip to Sierra Leone as well as several smaller events in between where everyone is invited to join as a volunteer.
Guests were so thrilled by the event that they wholeheartedly anticipate next year’s gala. Indeed this was a night everyone will remember, where we brought many cultures together for a great cause!
Our Journey of Impact Continues at www.impactsierraleone.org.
Funds raised will go toward:
- Direct support for our farmers and staff (supplies, clothing, food, transportation)
- Repairs to Ansarul Primary and Secondary School in Foindu Village
- Supporting our women’s farming collective through training and leadership development
- Literacy initiatives
- Health and wellness workshops
- Orphan care
