TOPS Founders/Unity Gala

Dear Friend,

The Board of Directors and staff of The Ordinary People Society cordially invite you to participate in the celebration TOPS Annual Founders/Unity Day Gala! Mark your calendar for Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Wiregrass Recreation Center (WRC) 795 Ross Clark Cir # 1, Dothan, AL 36303 at 7 pm. In 2001, the Founder began asking an important question: How do we change society to make it fair for ordinary people? Recognizing the disparities in arrest, bail, and incarceration, TOPS set out to learn how to increase equity for the ordinary people caught up in the criminal justice legal system and who were facing homelessness.

This year marks the 23rd Anniversary of this epic organization! With a long-standing commitment to decreasing and lowering recidivism and homelessness among those directly impacted, we are proud of the success we have accomplished over the years. This includes the instrumental role TOPS has played in the changing of 22 laws throughout various southern states.

TOPS has been a beacon of hope in the wiregrass area for many individuals and families who receive direct support from our Empowerment Center and local Soup Kitchen. Over the past year, TOPS has provided direct services such as clothing assistance, food, shelter, job, and healthcare support to over 5,300 adults and children over this past year. Our commitment to shining light on impactful issues such as incarceration, mental health, and homelessness inspires us to create campaigns and programs over the years to reach the masses.

This year, we welcome you to TOPS 23rd Anniversary Gala to learn more about the current and future work of the organization. We feel honored to be graced with the presence of Americas popular R&B vocal group The Manhattans, to perform a few songs of selection at TOPS Founders Unity/Day Gala. This annual event is the largest fundraising event of the year for our organization, and it would be gratefully appreciated to have your support as a sponsor for this evening of bliss. We feel that the mission of your business aligns with the priorities of strengthening communities as we continue to put our best food forward in supporting hundreds of individuals’ families daily.

We sincerely thank you for the role you have played in our 23-year history, we hope you join us to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together. There are many ways you can participate in and support this year’s event. Please review the attached information sheet for further details.

If you would like more information regarding this event or to discuss sponsorship options, please contact. Rodreshia Russaw, Executive Director at (334)671-2882 or by cell at (334) 547-1763. Feel free to reach out by email directly to Rrussaw@wearetops.org. We look forward to seeing you on May 3, 2024!

Serving Together,

Rodreshia Russaw, Executive Director

23rd Anniversary Banquet Sponsorship Form

WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO COORDINATE A TAILORED SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL THAT BEST MEETS YOUR CAPACITY. YOUR PARTNERSHIP IS TRULY IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE THE PROGRAMS OF THE ORDINARY PEOPLE SOCIETY!

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THE MANHATTANS were originally: Winfred “Blue” Lovett, Richard Taylor, Kenny Kelley, George “Smitty” Smith and Sonny Bivins. Blue and Smitty were out front as the group’s strong lead singers. Blue was also the group leader and an outstanding songwriter whose compositions with producer Joe Evans gave the group a string of hits on Carnival Records during the mid 1960s.

When Smith became ill in 1970, Phil Terrell stepped in as temporary lead singer until a permanent replacement could be found. In the fall of that same year, Gerald Alston, whose style paid homage to the legendary Sam Cooke took over as lead singer. More a pop singer than either Lovett or Smith, Alston’s incorporation into the group enabled THE MANHATTANS to break out of their mold as “doo-woppers” and achieve major national success on Starday/King Records with a Teddy Randazzo love song entitled “A Million To One”. In 1972, Blue Lovett’s “One Life To Live” reached the top 20 R&B charts. With Alston handling all lead vocals and Lovett providing smooth spoken introductions, THE MANHATTANS moved to Columbia Records in 1973 where they collaborated with producer Bobby Martin on a string of hit ballads including, “There’s No Me Without You”, “We Never Danced To A Love Song” and “Hurt”. The most notable of these ballads was Blue Lovett’s “Kiss And Say Goodbye”, a platinum selling #1 pop and R&B hit in 1976. In that same year, THE MANHATTANS teamed up once again with producer Randazzo to record “Feels So Good”, “You’re My Life” and “There’s No Good In Goodbye”. In 1977, they performed at President Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Ball and since then have received their share of platinum and gold singles, albums, and other industry kudos; most notably a 1980 Grammy for “Shining Star” written and produced by Leo Graham.

Gerald Alston

As any R&B enthusiast will attest, the name Gerald Alston has always been synonymous with soul, elegance, and sophistication. The one voice you never get tired of hearing, Gerald inherited some big shoes and has filled them admirably for many years. Born in Henderson, NC. Gerald Alston, the son of Rev. J.B. Alston and the nephew of gospel great Johnny Fields of The Five Blind Boys of Alabama learned his trade in church.

As a teen he formed “Gerald Alston & the New Imperials”, a group that performing both secular and religious music, went by a different name, “The Gospel Jubilee” when they appeared in churches. During a local appearance, Gerald met The Manhattans when they borrowed equipment from his band. When they heard Gerald rehearsing, they loved the beautiful, layered tone of Gerald’s powerfully smooth voice. On the spot, they invited the 17-year-old to join the group. Gerald took over as their lead singer in 1970. The group enjoyed enormous success in the 70’s and 80’s with songs such as, “There’s No Me Without You”, “Wish That You Were Mine”, “Hurt”, “We Never Danced to a Love Song”, “Don’t Take Your Love From Me”, “I Kinda Miss You”, and “It Feels So Good To Be Loved So Bad”. Their 1976 single “Kiss and Say Goodbye” was both a number one R&B and Pop hit.

The Manhattans won a Grammy in 1980 for their big hit “Shining Star”. In 1987 Gerald left the Manhattans to pursue a solo career. His debut album with Motown Records was entitled “Gerald Alston” followed by “Open Invitation” in 1990. His third album in 1992 “Always In The Mood” was a blend of classic R&B songs with 90’s music and nuances. In 1993, Gerald signed with Scotti Brothers/ Street Life Records and recorded “First Class Only”. In the same year Gerald reunited with Blue Lovett and The Manhattans for a 30th year reunion performance.