Daphne Maxwell Reid will be the keynote speaker for the seventh annual Celebrating Life Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon. Reid is known as Aunt Viv, the matriarch on NBC’s hit comedy, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air;” for her role of Hannah Griffin on the CBS comedy series “Frank’s Place” in which she co-starred with her husband, Tim Reid; and for her role as Eartha on the Showtime series, “Linc’s”. She will be joined by none other than gospel singing sensation, Vickie Winans.

The name “Winans” is synonymous with gospel music, and *Vickie Winans*definitely lives up to her name after 17 years of continuously singing the good news of Jesus Christ. The captivating vocals of this multi-talented artist are like a soulful, finely tuned instrument that piques the emotions and uplifts the spirit. Vickie has ahigh-powered, energetic, yet smooth and inspirational style as showcased in all her Grammy-nominated, Stellar Award and NAACP Award–winning albums.Reid and Winans are no strangers to the Celebrating Life Foundation, which is geared toward education.

“It only seems fitting to have Daphne as our keynote speaker as we celebrate our seven-year anniversary. She can truly attest to our growth, because she has been with us since the very beginning. She hosted our kick-off six years ago in Washington, DC with Carson Products,” said Sylvia Dunnavant, founder and executive director of the Foundation.

“There is no doubt we are ecstatic about Vickie joining us again as well. I don’t know of any other gospel performer that has the type of stamina she has. I can’t think of a better combination for our seventh anniversary,” added Dunnavant.

Reid is very familiar with breast cancer, and admits that she became aware of breast cancer at the age of nine, when her mother had a benign lump removed. However, the issue really became a passion of hers when her cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I grew up with her, but I watched her fade away because of this devastating disease. It was at that point I realized I must become vigilant for my friends and relatives,” said Reid.

“We too are vulnerable to this disease. We must stay on guard because without our health our community loses a strong force of womanpower,” states Reid, regarding the high mortality rate of African American women to breast cancer.

The Celebrating Life Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon will be held October 5th at 11:30 AM at the Westin Park Central Hotel, Dallas, Texas. The Celebrating Life Foundation promotes breast cancer awareness among African American women.

The luncheon will also include a hat presentation featuring couturier designs by Dallas designer Rita Morgan.

This year CLF will pay a post mortem tribute to Paula McClure, and honor Pastor E.K. Bailey, Senior Pastor of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, for his tenacious fight with cancer. The organization will also present the *“Lifetime Award”* to Barbara Hawkins with American Airlines for her continuous support.

The weekend will culminate on Saturday evening with a gospel concert hosted by Reid and featuring Vickie Winans, Bernard James, the Inspiring Body of Christ Mass Choir (IBOC), and St. John Missionary Baptist Mass Choir at IBOC Church located at 7710 South Westmoreland Road, Dallas, Texas 75237. The concert will be free with a contribution to breast cancer.

Tickets for the luncheon are $50 and may be purchased through the Celebrating Life Foundation. State Farm Insurance Companies, American Airlines, Bank One, USFI, Wells Fargo and KHVN are sponsoring this event. For more information, contact the Celebrating Life Foundation at 972-501-9983, or visit their website at www.celebratinglife.org