You Can't Over-Give

Thank you Bravo!

After watching Episode 2, I'm so happy that the charity (which for 17 years has kept thousands of at-risk kids out of jail, in school, and moving towards higher education) got some attention. I've never understood why our court system would condemn a first-time juvenile offender to jail at a higher cost than my son's private school? Maybe we should look at who benefits from filling up the prisons?

I'm thrilled that the charity I founded helps these kids from becoming career criminals while saving the state millions. Recently, Pennsylvania juvenile court judges were convicted for taking kickbacks. Private corrections corporations paid them for sending kids to their prison so they could get more money from the state! Hmmmm.

Which brings me to the arrogance of some people: party crashers to be specific.

There are parties where it may be appropriate for single girls to spend hours getting all dolled up, show up fashionably late (easier to crash a party after registration), mingle throughout, then publicly comment "people should pay me (and my two friends!) to show up." However, a charity gala, where kids get the money from the ticket sales, is simply not one of those parties. When a dress or shoes cost many times more than the ticket price to enter, maybe its time to check the etiquette books and re-assess your priorities and values. You decide.

And now to the generosity of others...

Adriana, thank you for always attending and donating art, and I'm sorry you weren't on the red carpet list. Not sure how that happened. Since your comment about "I organize this whole event with Lea," I've gotten lots of calls and emails from volunteers saying, "She gave a few paintings and came to a couple of meetings. I was at every meeting and contributed far more than Adriana did!" So, please do me a favor and let the committee know you didn't mean to imply you contributed any more than they did. I need to keep the peace with them, as you know it's an all-volunteer army.

And the support of others...

Marysol, you looked beautiful in your long green dress. I loved that you were invited to sit with one of our big sponsors at an expensive VIP table. Your team took good care of our celebrity guests at the red carpet. Thank you!

And the grace of many huge stars throughout the years...

This year, Dionne Warwick, Pharell Williams, and Christian Castro are donating their performances to help kids in need...wow! Doesn't that speak volumes about who they are as human beings? I'm touched really and owe a big thanks to my legendary Grammy-winning superstar friends. I hope some of you will join us at The Blacks' Annual Gala, April 2, at the Eden Roc Renaissance Hotel! After all, "That's What Friends are For."

To Alexia, Go Herman!!!! Thanks both of you for your VIP ticket donation. I loved watching Herman bid. I need to zip your mouth when he's spending for the kids. LET HIM BID!!! He's my HERO! You go Herman. Alexia: loved the watch you won. But in your interview, what was that "lower people" comment? Yikes! And the "who married who" remark? You're making me nervous! Whew. I was thinking "zip it" all over again!

Larsa: I know you were in NYC at a big sports event with our superstar Scottie the night of the gala. I'm sure a lot of women were very happy you missed it...when you walk in, all heads turn. LOL. But the nanny thing, do you really keep firing them? Poor things, they need the money! Maybe start a training class for them? Or write them a list everyday? Or put them in charge of guarding the pocketbooks so you don't need a gun. Just kidding. NOT!

Too bad I missed Cristy's luncheon. Personally I love Cuban food and crock-pot cooking. Yum. I hope you enjoyed tonight’s episode. Things start to get "Miami sizzling hot" in upcoming episodes. You will start to feel the heat, so stay tuned.

My thoughts this week are to give thanks for how blessed we are, and let the stronger of us reach out to the weaker among us and spread our blessings.

After all, we can never out give the universe, so let's enjoy and share the abundance. Life is good. Spread the love and keep the peace.

'Til next time. Lea