By Felicia Purcell-McDaniel, Globe Sports Editor

The Lend A Hand Foundation hosted its Gospel Extravaganza and Best Hat Contest on Sunday afternoon at the Oakland Hilton.
    The star-studded program included performances from gospel comedian J-Red, recording artists Amar Khalil and Elizabeth Ayala, musician Paul Tillman Smith, B.A.S.I.C. Ministry (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) and Created2 Worship dance team.

    Attendees also participated in an auction, which featured a catered in-home dining experience and a ride for a child on a fire truck, compliments of the Oakland Fire Department.

   “An event like this brings people together of all ages; there is a little something for everyone — clean comedy, praise and worship and of course, hats, and it’s all for a wonderful cause,” said Globe Associate Publisher Eleanor Boswell-Raine.
    Reverend Brondon Reems Sr. of the Center of Hope Community Church served as the guest speaker and delivered a powerful message about working together for the betterment of the community. “You can reach out and touch the life of someone else and redefine the meaning of ‘lend a hand,’” he said. “Get ready for our fabulous future, Oakland.”
    Lend A Hand Foundation executive director and founder Dee Johnson and board member John Polk also addressed the audience. KBLX disc jockey and Oakland native Timothy Alexander White served as the emcee. The Parade of Hats contest brought down the house with numerous brave contestants who were tasked with convincing the crowd that they had the toughest hat.
    Twelve-year-old James Williams attended the event with his parents and sister. After much prompting, his mother Ava decided to give it a go and showcase her hat.
    “I think you should vote for my mother,” said Williams, who very well could have started his own contest for best suit.
    Helen Dias of Pinole won first place among the women for her symmetrical black hat adorned with fur. Mary Hardy took second place, and Millard Clay won third.
    “My sister lives in a small town and I would send her hats,” said Dias. “She would always tell me that I needed to wear a hat [too], and then one day I finally bought one. I wore it to church and got so many compliments that I’ve been wearing them every since,” said the 15-year hat-wearer, whose daughter bought her a ticket to the event when she heard there would be a hat contest.
    When asked what was the most money she’s paid for a hat, Dias said $700. Coincidently, that hat was the one that won her first-place in the contest and a spa treatment prize.
    The first-place winner for the men was Gary Garrett, who sported a black fedora. Henry Hunter won second place, and Thomas Shipp took third.
    A grassroots organization, the Lend A Hand Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for inner-city youth, with a focus on those residing in homeless shelters. For more information, visit www.lendahandfoundation.org.

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