Marchette Richardson-Smith with JamIe & Erana Tyler
Gatsby Showcase Foundation 2024
~Fashion Gala Fundraiser ~
by Dr. Marchette Richardson-Smith
Copa Style Magazine's Fashion Event Correspondent
A Glittering Evening at The Gatsby Showcase Gala
The Mission:
Before we dive into the glam and the glitz let us take a moment to learn a little about the organization’s mission. The Gatsby Showcase primarily supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, with a strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and minority entrepreneurs. The foundation champions education and mentorship programs, offering scholarships to students from underserved backgrounds. It also invests in small business development, helping individuals and organizations overcome systemic barriers to success. Additionally, the foundation promotes the arts, advocating creative expression as a tool for community building and empowerment. Through its efforts, the Gatsby Showcase fosters opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency among those facing socio-economic challenges.
The Mission:
Before we dive into the glam and the glitz let us take a moment to learn a little about the organization’s mission. The Gatsby Showcase primarily supports underrepresented and marginalized communities, with a strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and minority entrepreneurs. The foundation champions education and mentorship programs, offering scholarships to students from underserved backgrounds. It also invests in small business development, helping individuals and organizations overcome systemic barriers to success. Additionally, the foundation promotes the arts, advocating creative expression as a tool for community building and empowerment. Through its efforts, the Gatsby Showcase fosters opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency among those facing socio-economic challenges.
Red Carpet Arrival
On December 14, 2024, the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., transformed into a dazzling stage for the fourth annual Gatsby Showcase Gala, a night that radiated opulence, purpose, and celebration. The black-tie affair drew an elite crowd of designers, philanthropists, entertainers, and cultural influencers, all converging under the iconic Art Deco-style venue. The red-carpet arrival was breathtaking, designed to immerse guests in glamour from the very first moment.
Guests were dressed to impress, with couture gowns, bespoke suits, and vintage-inspired accessories making bold statements. Designers like Jody Davis and Michael Johnson, whose work was later highlighted in the evening’s runway event, were among those who graced the carpet, mingling with entertaining icons and influencers who came to celebrate fashion and philanthropy. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees exchanged greetings, and posed for photos,
Red Carpet Arrival
On December 14, 2024, the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C., transformed into a dazzling stage for the fourth annual Gatsby Showcase Gala, a night that radiated opulence, purpose, and celebration. The black-tie affair drew an elite crowd of designers, philanthropists, entertainers, and cultural influencers, all converging under the iconic Art Deco-style venue. The red-carpet arrival was breathtaking, designed to immerse guests in glamour from the very first moment.
Guests were dressed to impress, with couture gowns, bespoke suits, and vintage-inspired accessories making bold statements. Designers like Jody Davis and Michael Johnson, whose work was later highlighted in the evening’s runway event, were among those who graced the carpet, mingling with entertaining icons and influencers who came to celebrate fashion and philanthropy. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees exchanged greetings, and posed for photos,
Gala Dinner
The three-course meal at the 2024 Gatsby Showcase was a culinary masterpiece, crafted to perfectly align with the evening's opulent and celebratory theme. Guests were treated to a dining experience seamlessly blending artistry and indulgence, featuring dishes prepared with the finest gourmet ingredients and a balance of contemporary innovation and classic sophistication.
To enhance the dining experience, the gala included carefully selected wine pairings, complementing each course, and elevating the overall experience. The meticulous mindfulness in the meal underscored the event’s dedication to luxury and refinement, making dinner not just a meal but an integral part of the evening’s enchantment. The applause and satisfied smiles from attendees were a testament to the meal's success, leaving an impression alongside the night’s many other highlights.
The three-course meal at the 2024 Gatsby Showcase was a culinary masterpiece, crafted to perfectly align with the evening's opulent and celebratory theme. Guests were treated to a dining experience seamlessly blending artistry and indulgence, featuring dishes prepared with the finest gourmet ingredients and a balance of contemporary innovation and classic sophistication.
To enhance the dining experience, the gala included carefully selected wine pairings, complementing each course, and elevating the overall experience. The meticulous mindfulness in the meal underscored the event’s dedication to luxury and refinement, making dinner not just a meal but an integral part of the evening’s enchantment. The applause and satisfied smiles from attendees were a testament to the meal's success, leaving an impression alongside the night’s many other highlights.
The Gatsby Award
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Table Setting
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Entertainment
The entertainment at the 2024 Gatsby Showcase Gala was a dynamic and captivating highlight of the evening, designed to dazzle and inspire distinguished guests. The night opened with a live jazz ensemble, setting an elegant and vintage tone with a repertoire that paid homage to the roaring 1920s, blending timeless classics with contemporary flair. As the gala progressed, a dramatic runway show took center stage, featuring collections by renowned designers leading with Jody Davis, followed by Michael Johnson and the Silver Fox Models strutted down the runway in fabulous style.
Adding to the vibrancy, musical performances by a featured artist and a live DJ injected energy into the event, encouraging guests to sway to the rhythm and immerse themselves in the festivities. Let's not forget the fabulous humor of Nephew Tommy of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, a poetry recital by a local artist added a poignant touch, aligning with the foundation's dedication to supporting the arts. The entertainment portion concluded with a charity auction, where items such as designer pieces and exclusive experiences were sold to benefit the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. This thoughtfully curated lineup of performances and activities left attendees spellbound, blending glamour with the joy of giving back.
The entertainment at the 2024 Gatsby Showcase Gala was a dynamic and captivating highlight of the evening, designed to dazzle and inspire distinguished guests. The night opened with a live jazz ensemble, setting an elegant and vintage tone with a repertoire that paid homage to the roaring 1920s, blending timeless classics with contemporary flair. As the gala progressed, a dramatic runway show took center stage, featuring collections by renowned designers leading with Jody Davis, followed by Michael Johnson and the Silver Fox Models strutted down the runway in fabulous style.
Adding to the vibrancy, musical performances by a featured artist and a live DJ injected energy into the event, encouraging guests to sway to the rhythm and immerse themselves in the festivities. Let's not forget the fabulous humor of Nephew Tommy of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, a poetry recital by a local artist added a poignant touch, aligning with the foundation's dedication to supporting the arts. The entertainment portion concluded with a charity auction, where items such as designer pieces and exclusive experiences were sold to benefit the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. This thoughtfully curated lineup of performances and activities left attendees spellbound, blending glamour with the joy of giving back.
Featured Designer Jody Davis and her models.
Camella Dean graces the runway wearing a Jody Davis original creation.
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Lana Rae, Gatsby Showcase Fashion Show Producer
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The Founders
Dr. Bertrand Fote and Laura Fote co-founded the Gatsby Showcase Foundation. Dr. Bertrand Fote is a distinguished emergency physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a diverse educational and professional background. He began his academic journey at St. Joseph's College, Sasse, in Cameroon, enrolling at the age of ten. During his time there, he served as the official school journalist. He was honored with the Victor Anomah Ngu award for academic excellence in 1991, an accolade that inspired his pursuit of a medical career. He earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 2001. He has received numerous accolades, including President Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, for his extensive community service and efforts in education and healthcare. Lady Laura Fote is a distinguished global entrepreneur and philanthropist, celebrated for her leadership as the CEO of L&B Concepts, a multifaceted company specializing in rentals for corporate and private clients, as well as wholesale and retail operations. Under her guidance, L&B Concepts has served esteemed clients, including IBM, Georgetown University, and the National Institutes of Health. She holds a degree in Nursing, reflecting her early career as a registered nurse, where she dedicated 14 years to providing care and building her expertise in healthcare. This health sciences foundation informed her professional journey and shaped her compassionate approach to business and community service.
Dr. Bertrand Fote and Laura Fote co-founded the Gatsby Showcase Foundation. Dr. Bertrand Fote is a distinguished emergency physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a diverse educational and professional background. He began his academic journey at St. Joseph's College, Sasse, in Cameroon, enrolling at the age of ten. During his time there, he served as the official school journalist. He was honored with the Victor Anomah Ngu award for academic excellence in 1991, an accolade that inspired his pursuit of a medical career. He earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 2001. He has received numerous accolades, including President Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, for his extensive community service and efforts in education and healthcare. Lady Laura Fote is a distinguished global entrepreneur and philanthropist, celebrated for her leadership as the CEO of L&B Concepts, a multifaceted company specializing in rentals for corporate and private clients, as well as wholesale and retail operations. Under her guidance, L&B Concepts has served esteemed clients, including IBM, Georgetown University, and the National Institutes of Health. She holds a degree in Nursing, reflecting her early career as a registered nurse, where she dedicated 14 years to providing care and building her expertise in healthcare. This health sciences foundation informed her professional journey and shaped her compassionate approach to business and community service.
Laura Ayuk Takem Fote
Award recipient Cathy Hughes Founder and Chairperson of Urban one Inc.
The Fotes with Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show.
Gatsby Foundation Awardees & VIP's
Bishop Dr. George E. Holmes Jr. Executive Director of The Gatsby Showcase Foundation 4th Annual Awards Gala with Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One Inc..
