Steve Harvey’s Hoodie Awards: Ford Gives Away Car; Tiny, Toya, Fantasia Appear

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st once a year, the celebrities eagerly serve as highly decorative backdrop and allow the community leaders and everyday people to get their shine on at Steve Harvey’s eighth annual Ford Hoodie Awards at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. One dynamic diva in particular glowed like Christmas decorations after getting a brand-new Ford Edge for winning the Best Community Leader award.

The hood-rich gala pays annual homage to those who give back to their communities in unique and extraordinary ways. Multimedia maven Steve Harvey, whose normally blistering tongue was instead used to bestow love on the nominees and recipients, gave out awards in 12 different categories, including Best High School Teacher, Best Church, Best Choir, Best Beauty Salon, Best Barber Shop, Best Bar B Que and Best Chicken.

The sold-out, emotion-packed black-tie soirée was punctuated by powerful performances by  Eddie Levert and the O’Jays to start off and Fantasia to close the evening out. Sherri Shepherd of “The View,” Tameka “Tiny” Cottle-Harris, Antonia “Toya” Carter, LisaRaye, Michael Clarke Duncan, Omarosa, Wendy Raquel Robinson of “The Game,” Dwele, Holly Robinson Peete, singers Tank and Joe, and comedians George Wallace and Lavell were among the luminaries, dignitaries and constellation of stars that helped pack the Harvey affair.

Established in 2001, The Hoodie Awards were created by Harvey to recognize the efforts and strides that the stars of our neighborhoods are making in the cities and towns in which they live. The New York Times best-selling author feels that celebrities, politicians and corporate CEOs are usually recognized for their accomplishments but the hard work of the “common” man and woman goes unnoticed.

“I believe that we’re all created equal and it’s not fame or fortune that makes an ordinary person extraordinary, but it’s the things they do to help others and to uplift their communities that makes them special,” Harvey says. “And I am grateful that we’re able to bring all of these famous people together to give these very special individuals the recognition that they deserve.”

Ford Motor Company said their participation in the Hoodie Awards is a continuation of the 100-year legacy of corporate philanthropy and community involvement.

“Giving back to the community is part of Ford’s DNA. As many of you know, Ford has been doing this for 100 years,” said Shawn Lollie, multicultural marketing manager for Ford Motor Company. “It’s not all about selling cars. It’s about getting out there and being with the folks who are buying our products.” –terry shropshire