Social Butterfly

By Jennifer Brett

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Comedian's wife gets spotlight for health care work

Malaak Compton-Rock is as giving as her husband is funny. The wife of comedian Chris Rock was honored April 30 with the Soledad O'Brien Freedom's Voice Award. Created by the Community Voices of Morehouse School of Medicine, the award recognizes those who embody the mission of improving health care for the underserved around the world. Compton-Rock, who left a career in PR and events planning to work for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, has since founded the Angelrock Project to promote volunteerism and social responsibility. (Info: www.angelrockproject. com). The foundation works with impoverished villages in South Africa to help with food and schooling. Touched by the villagers she and her family have worked with, Compton-Rock said they planned to take in one of its youngest members as a foster child.

Community Voices Advisory Committee member Jackie Howard of Paces Papers set an elegant tone with the exquisite programs (usually SB takes notes on event programs, but we could not bring ourselves to scribble on these). The evening began with a welcome from Dr. Henrie Treadwell, director of Community Voices, and featured a tribute to the late artist Tina Allen, who designed the award. Guests bowed their heads before breaking bread as Bishop Eddie Long offered the invocation. After an introduction from MSM President Dr. John Maupin, the award was presented by Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. It was an especially fitting tribute, as Compton-Rock says she lives by Wright Edelman's words of wisdom: "Service is the rent we pay for living."

Black-leash optional

The fifth annual Bark for Art, benefiting Atlanta Lab Rescue, is from 7-10 p.m. May 16 at Mason Murer Fine Art. Proceeds support ALR's mission of rescuing and caring for at-risk dogs. Tickets are $45 at the door or online at www.barkforart.org.

A night of hope

The American Cancer Society's Evening of Hope gala, held April 24 at Founders Hall in Roswell, honored Dr. Alex Gross. Nancy Alterman and Adele Hamilton chaired the event, which honored Claire Smith and Tim Young. Performer Adam Komesar entertained, and Talk of the Town fed everyone . . . The Huntington's Disease Society of America's gala, themed Celebration of Hope, was the same night at historic Glenridge Hall in Sandy Springs. Affairs to Remember catered and veteran meteorologist Flip Spiceland emceed. Frank Ros, vice president of Latin Affairs for the Coca-Cola Co., received the HDSA Georgia Chapter Community Service Award. Stephanie Watson chaired with Eva Duvall. Info: www.hdsa-ga.org.

Here and there

The Rho Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority plans a "Green and Gorgeous" night of eco-friendly beauty from 6 -9 p.m. June 9 at Desta Salon and Spa, 1450 Veterans Memorial Hwy. in Mableton. Nicol Lewis and Kiwanda McLemore chair. "We hope to increase the awareness of using natural beauty products as well as choosing natural hair care," McLemore said. Info: www.akarhoze taomega.org . . . The North Gwinnett Schools Foundation hosted an April 18 patron party at the Suwanee home of Eric and Darcy Young to thank sponsors of the annual Big T' Do. More than 100 people enjoyed a spread provided by Chef David Ross and PJ's Wine and Coffee. Last year's event raised more than $110,000 to support schools in the North Gwinnett cluster. The 2009 Big T' Do will be Oct. 17 . . . The Friends Junior Committee benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta plans "Cheers for Children, A Cause to Celebrate," from 6-10 p.m. May 16. at Andrews Upstairs. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Info: www.cheers4children.com or 404-785-7316.