Fighting the good fight, in all-white

Gospel sensation Patti Pennington takes on domestic violence with a star-studded benefit gala.

Gospel sensation Patti Pennington recently delighted attendees with her 7th Annual Pre-Awards All-White Domestic Violence Benefit Gala. Held at the Valley Bible Fellowship Church — and produced by Pennington’s non-profit Now Faith Community Development Corporation — the gala featured local and international gospel artists such as Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Zebulon Ellis, Trent Phillips, Friends of Gospel and the renowned Regina Belle.

“The highlight of the All White gala was having the twenty women from the Shade Tree non-profit organization as guests on the red carpet,” said Pennington. “These women and many of their children are victims of domestic violence, and we treated them with a total makeover with hair, dress and makeup. They walked our red carpet in star-studded style.”

Pennington, who lost both of her parents as a pre-teen, is herself a survivor of domestic violence. Her life experiences have instilled her a passion for giving back to the community.

“The gala falls under my non-profit Now Faith Community Development Corporation, where we provide women and youth with technical assistance workshops in computer training, business development and life skills,” said Pennington. “The All White Gala is our biggest fundraiser, and we are currently in need of a van for transportation purposes for our participants.”

Some of the community honorees at the gala included Pastor Kelcey West, Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, singer Regina Belle, George Wallace, Rev. Spencer White, Endyia Sterns, Trent Phillips, and Bishop Hezekiah Walker.

“I have always had a passion for the youth and sometimes young people are in domestic violence situations — but they remain silent,” said Pennington. “My heart embraces those victims of domestic violence, and in my older years I have just gotten more outspoken about it.”