Berry Gordy honors Smokey Robinson at the 2019 Golden Heart Awards Photo: Melly C |
The Midnight Mission’s 19th Annual Golden Heart Awards Gala was held on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The Awards Gala jointly honors The Midnight’s longstanding legacy to Southern California’s neediest individuals and families, as well as those people whose contributions embrace the organization’s trans formative spirit of giving. As Southern California’s premier social service provider, The Midnight has never missed a day of service since 1914.
This year two people were honored. The Golden Heart Award were given to Singer-Songwriter and Record Producer William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. and Outstanding Volunteer Susie Siverts. This year’s honorees were recognized for their significant contributions to understanding and responding to the human tragedy of homelessness, and each embodies The Midnight’s enduring commitment to helping those who are less fortunate.
The Gala contained a moving program with testimonies from alumni from The Midnight Mission programs and honorees. There was also be a special musical performance by TMM Alumnus Toby Metz and a musical tribute to Smokey Robinson by former lead singer of The Temptations Louis Price.
Special guests for the evening include Berry Gordy, Siedah Garrett, Mary Wilson, Mickey Stevenson, Jason Federici and Jason Heath of Jason Heath & The Greedy Souls, former Golden Heart recipient and musician Jason Sinay, and former Golden Heart recipient Mary Murphy and many more.
The Golden Heart Award is presented annually to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment and compassion for those in our community who are less fortunate. The Gala was attended by business, entertainment, and community leaders from throughout our region.
TVMusic Network was on hand at the event and spoke with Berry Gordy who was on hand to present the award to best friend Smokey Robinson. Click on the video to see what he had to say about Smokey being honored, Motown and more.