INAUGURAL AFRICAN CHARITY GALA DRAWS HUGE NUMBERS IN **NEW YORK** *

*The first annual fashion benefit gala brought urbane glitz as celebrities & African sophisticates turn out to support a laudable cause. *

Manhattan, NY ? Dec 29, 2007 ? The night signaled the arrival of new generation of Africans ? foresighted, involved, debonair.

At the turn of the new year, THE FINALE Fashion Benefit Gala presented exclusive collections of gifted young African designers to a packed ballroom in the heart of Manhattan.

The first annual event was a BLACK STAR COLLECTIVE FOUNDATION initiative hosted by D.C. LADIES Inc. & Ghana's Elite Inc in honor of Ghana's 50 thanniversary celebration. Ghana, West Africa was the first sub-Saharan African country to win independence from colonial rule.

"It was very important to us that we put together an event second-generation Africans in this country can be proud of," said Adjoa Adofo, fashion show coordinator for D.C. LADIES Inc. "We wanted to support an important cause in recognition of Ghana's golden jubilee, red-carpet style."

Overnight, THE FINALE is set to become a cult classic - garnering wide attention across the African community in New York, New Jersey , Connecticut, and Maryland .

More importantly, the event raised money to donate to Pro-Link Ghana, a leading non-profit agency that assists women and children afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

"Already Pro-link is engulfed with the problem of supporting our orphans (both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS)," said Ethel Saketey, Head of Programs at Pro-Link. "We need to raise funds to undertake these programmes and your support is very much welcome?It will go a long way." Five leading designers were selected to premiere their newest collections ? including Ghana-inspired Biribelle Clothing, Nigerian-designed Gloss and TOSA Collection as well as Citizens and Ras Kweku. Their styles ranged from traditional to elegant to street.

The inaugural FINALE Fashion Benefit Gala was a tremendous success drawing 642 spectators, with a surprise visit from America 's Next Top Model star, Bianca Golden. The event organizers profess an excitement for the prospect of reaching the community and a growing public awareness.

Interested sponsors and designers, e-mail dcladies@gmail.com.*