The “Hoodies” are no more.
It’s now, Steve Harvey’s Ford Neighborhood Awards, and it took place all over Atlanta August 8-10. By all accounts, the weekend was a rousing success.
For many, the Neighborhood Awards is unique in that is the the only awards shows on a national scale where celebrities give awards to the everyday man and woman.
People like coaches, teachers, church choirs and barbershops get awards for what they mean to their community.
The Ford Neighborhood Awards (formerly called the “Hoodie Awards” or “Hoodies”) offered a tradeshow, seminars, contests, a charity golf tournament and the awards show, which packed 12,000 into Philips Arena on Saturday night.
Performances by the likes of Robin Thicke, Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, Tamela Mann, India Arie and Keith Sweat kept the attendees entertained in between award presentations.
Harvey kept the audience entertained as he poked fun at himself, his celebrity friends and the award nominees themselves.
Harvey couldn’t do it with corporate partnerships with giants like Ford and even smaller companies like upstart wireless provider, Cricket Wireless, which is newly based in Atlanta.
“Cricket is a community brand and identifies ways to work closely with leaders, and non-profit organizations, that serve the communities of our Cricket store locations,” said Sharyn Mack, Sr. Marketing Mgr-Sponsorship and Community for Cricket. “Steve Harvey’s work with youth mentoring, and development has a positive impact in the community, so partnering with this event aligns directly with Cricket’s community commitment.”
An event like this helped Cricket get more exposure and reach their targeted demographic.
“This event attracted many to the local area and our participation provided a platform to share information about our service, devices, and coverage,” added Mack.
This event was previously held it Las Vegas, but the attendance and draw was nothing like what Atlanta brought to the table.
Harvey was asked if Atlanta will host the Neighborhood Awards, which bring in millions of dollars to the local economy, again next year.
“I’ll be in Atlanta for a long time,” Harvey said that evening.
Those in Atlanta can’t wait for next year’s installment with even more fun and excitement.
