Actress Terri J. Vaughn’s Take Wings Foundation Hosts
8th Annual Star-studded Gala to Benefit At-risk Teens – San Francisco
Marriott Marquis – Aug. 13, 2011

Always smiling, unless she’s crying
tears of happiness, Terri J. Vaughn’s a girl from humble beginnings who
tells everyone to “take wings.” Her infectious positive energy and
altruistic spirit has enabled her to soar right out of San Francisco’s
Hunter’s Point projects and into the world of Hollywood and beyond. Not
forgetting her roots, Vaughn reached back to establish the Take Wings
Foundation to benefit at-risk teens–emphasizing self-esteem, life
skills, education, health and fitness.

San Francisco native and celebrated television and movie actress Terri
J. Vaughn is founder of TAKE WINGS FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization
that addresses social and life skills needs of at-risk teens. On
Saturday, August 13, 2011, TAKE WINGS will host its eighth annual
black-tie benefit affair with pre-gala receptions commencing at 6:00 pm
at San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 55 Fourth Street. Tickets ($150 per
person) may be purchased online at http://www.TakeWings.org.

Joining illustrious actress Terri J. Vaughn to host, perform, speak,
honorary chair, sponsor, and receive recognition during her TAKE WINGS
FOUNDATION’s eighth annual Angel Awards Benefit Gala are:

EVENT CO-HOSTS:

• Actress Nicole Ari Parker (AKA Nikki Kodjoe)

(FILM: “Exiled: A Law & Order Movie,” “Blue Streak,” “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins;” TV: “Soul Food,” “Second Time Around”)

• Actor Boris Kodjoe

(FILM: “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” “The Confidants” “Surrogates;” TV: “Undercovers,” “Second Time Around”)

ENTERTAINMENT:

• R&B Vocalist Kelly Price

(DISC: “Kelly” (2011) “This is Who I Am” (2006), “Priceless” (2003)

2011 ANGEL AWARD HONOREES:

• Warren J. Strudwick, M.D., M.B.A. –
  Board certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine; President,
  Sinkler Miller Medical Association
• Edward Fitzpatrick – Multiple car dealership owner; philanthropic contributor to the arts, education and community enhancement

HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS:

• Denise Washington LeNoir, M.S.N. –
  Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in healthcare for adolescents
  and teens; 2010 TWF Angel Award recipient
• Neda Barrie – Senior Executive Vice President, Business Development, Golden State Warriors
• Alvin “Al” Attles – Former Golden State Warriors guard and head coach
• Michael A. LeNoir, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I. – Practicing Oakland/San
  Francisco Bay Area pediatrician and allergist; CEO, Ethnic Health
  America Network

SPONSORS:

Wells Fargo, Safeway Foundation, Golden State Warriors, Kaiser Permanente, Ross Stores, House of Hennessy and KBLX 102.9-FM

ABOUT TAKE WINGS FOUNDATION (TWF):

Take Wings Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is
to build the self esteem of San Francisco Bay Area at-risk teens between
the ages of 13 and 18 by providing positive experiences and role
modeling. The foundation’s core components in achieving its mission
involve encouraging and enabling youth to provide community service,
participate in life skills development activities and workshops, and
earn academic scholarships, while emphasizing education, health and
fitness. In 2010 TWF added Take Wings Male Youth Program to its
previously all-girls program.

ABOUT TERRI J. VAUGHN:

Terri J. Vaughn has entertained us on television for eight seasons
as a series regular. First, she stole America’s heart with her lovable
portrayal of Lovita Alizay Jenkins on the WB’s “The Steve Harvey Show.”
After that, Vaughn made her way to UPN’s “All of Us.” Currently, she is
a cast member on the hit TBS television sit-com “Tyler Perry’s Meet the
Browns.” Among her film credits are “Three Can Play That Game,” “Tyler
Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls,” “Redrum,” and “Angels Can’t Help But
Laugh.” Vaughn has been honored with three Image Awards for Outstanding
Supporting Actress, a nomination for a 2005 BET Comedy Award, and also
nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her
work on “Soulfood.”

But, before Vaughn ever had her first audition, she was growing up in
a housing project in San Francisco’s Hunter’s Point district. Today,
she is determined to create positive, inspirational and educational
experiences for teens growing up in disadvantaged communities. Out of
her desire to give back to her community, in 1997, Vaughn started the TAKE WINGS FOUNDATION.

EDITORS:

To arrange pre-event interviews, obtain photos of noted
participants, or RSVP (required) for on-site event coverage, contact
Toni Beckham | 209-832-8020/408-499-3664 c Toni(at)PRetCetera(dot)com.
PRESS CREDENTIALS REQUIRED for admittance.

Press pass entitles holder to media-related activities (photos,
video, sound bites) throughout the gala evening; does not include dinner
or gala table seating.