Howard-Hampton Cabaret Raises Funds for Children

Brittany Johnson

4/6/07, Hilltop


The event formerly known as the Bourgeoisie Ball has a new name. It is now called the Howard-Hampton Cabaret. Event organizers and brothers David Felipe Borrego and Calvin Lewis say they created the event as a way to unite the two historically black universities to raise money for charity and thought it would be fun to play off of the historic rivalry between the two schools.

Borrego is a senior economics major at Howard and Lewis is a senior business management major at Hampton. Both grew up as in Los Angeles and are a part of entertainment management company, Just Doing It (JDI).

The Howard-Hampton Cabaret is just one of a series of events sponsored by JDI that will raise money for both the Breatheasy and Just Do It Foundations.

The Breatheasy Foundation is sponsored by Orlando Magic player Trevor Ariza. On the foundation's Web site, www.trevorariza.net, Ariza describes his personal asthmatic condition and how it inspired him to help other children receive the proper education and support so that they too can pursue their goals.

Jonathan Whitley is a part of JDI and also works for the Breatheasy Foundation.

"Kids with asthma come out and we support basketball camps and other events for them through the summer. They don't have to pay any money. We also do it overseas in [Ariza's] hometown Turks and Caicos," Whitley said.

Although Lewis and Borrego expect the party to be fun, raising money for the children is paramount.

"Children are important to me. I'm from the inner city of Los Angeles. There are not many African Americans attaining higher education. We come from gang environments so for us coming out of that, we are trying to set positive examples to show that you don't have to conform to that, you can get an education," Lewis said.

Fundraising is also the reason they decided to change the name of the event.

"I felt like it really wasn't that important and people were making such a big deal out of it. I didn't want to lose the patronage or money for the kids. It's two schools coming together for a good cause," Borrego said.

The $30 ticket price, gas expenses and possible hotel stay make this event a bit pricier than others. However, Lewis and Borrego say it is worth it.

As for the reception at Hampton, Lewis says students just keep asking where and when to go.

Third year Hampton MBA student Nandi Shareef agrees that the reception at Hampton is great. "People are excited to party with [Howard students.] They're sick of going to the same cabarets with the same people. Mingling with people from Howard is appealing."

Many Howard students still seem up in the air about whether or not to attend.

Junior biology major Danielle Walcott and sophomore business management major Lawrence Robinson both think it is a great idea, but have not purchased their tickets.

"I'm not sure yet," Robinson said. "I don't want to take the shuttle."

The first ever Howard Hampton Cabaret will be held in Richmond, Va. tomorrow. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Borrego and Lewis hope to make this an annual event.

big ups to Trevor for creating the charity. I am so glad to see my High School peers doing something great for others.

"I may bleed blue and gold BUT the RED and WHITE made ME!!!!!