This weekend, I spent the weekend in Vegas attending the Chris Webber Bada Bling Celebrity Bash Weekend. It was chock full of celebrities–and celebrities that I can appreciate–basically meaning my generation celebs. Nas, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Gabrielle Union, Biz Markie, Spinderella, Raphael Saadiq, and on and on. It was a completely “grown and sexy” event (this will be the only time that I use this term in the post–I think it has become overused and overextended, but you get the gist of it.) Think luxury, old school celebrity hotness, and really long money.

I had the extreme pleasure of spending time with some celebrity and non-celebrity friends, new and old, all the while basking in the glow of all that is fine and strictly fabulous. Set in Las Vegas, the Bada Bling Weekend is a fundraiser for the Chris Webber Foundation. The foundation’s primary goal is to provide educational and recreational opportunities for underprivileged and disadvantaged children. Since I am a former teacher, any person, place, or thing that supports literacy and education has my vote. Many celebrities have the opportunity, means, and network of connections to give back; but, for some odd reason, do not outwardly give back to those who support them. Let’s keep it very real, most of the population who idolize stars, specifically basketball and football stars, are underprivileged and underserved in some way or another. No matter the race, color, ethnicity or gender, we all need to do better and give back to OUR community. Living fabulously also requires giving generously. The essential core of fabulousness is character–actually have an upstanding one that others can admire, adore, and emulate. After attending the event and having an opportunity to speak to Chris about the event and foundation, I have a new level of respect for him and what he does. Take note, people….

Anyhoo, we had a great time raising money for the kiddies! Take a look….
Here are some photos of moi and my new and old friends:

The man himself, Chris Webber

Nas

Regina King

Carl Payne

Sway

Finesse Mitchell

Omarosa

Big Boy

Spinderella and friends (me included!)

And on the last day, we had to give back to ourselves…the girls and I traipsed over to the Mandalay Bay hotel and lounged poolside. We had planned on taking in a Broadway show, Mamma Mia, but the nonstop, socially conscious partying took a toll on our weary bodies and we were quickly reminded our of ages….

The gist of this post: give back. As you can see from above, you can give back and have a fabulous time while doing so. You don’t have to have loads of money to give back. For example, I volunteered to go to New Orleans on my own dime (about $400 total) with a group of law students to help Katrina victims (see article here). If you don’t have the thousands of dollars that it takes to attend and support celebrity fundraisers , at least start at home for free. Let me give you some examples:

Volunteer in your own community.
Join an organization that performs community service in areas that appeal to you (art, youth, environment, literacy, etc.)
Offer your expertise and advice to groups that can’t afford to hire those type of services.

BASICALLY…just do something…we are all responsible for the fate of our global community and can only blame ourselves if we are disappointed with the outcome.
Check out these sites to find volunteer opportunities:
Do Something
Idealist (Action without Borders)
One Brick
Network for Good

Well, we are still in Vegas…meaning that we still have time to party (after some rest!) before our flight leaves…if you want more pics from the weekend, check out Young, Black, and Fabulous. Keep it strictly fab!