How to Contact Uso's

3rd Annual Usos Foundation Banquet - Even More Continued Success!

August 8, 2011

Gataivasa- Afa "The Wild Samoan" and his wife Lynn Anoa'i once again welcomed family, friends, and supporters to the Third Annual Usos Foundation Fundraising Banquet in Minneola, Florida on Saturday, August 6. The Polynesian-themed banquet--with some belly dance entertainment as a special treat-- was a fun night for all.

The guests mingled and enjoyed delicious appetizers while perusing the superb and varied silent auction. Several of the items were rare, some one-of-a-kind! Our celebrity guests included Ata Maivia-Johnson, Afa "the Wild Samoan" Anoa`i, King Haku, Ricky Santana, Atoa Ripley, Diana Hart, WWE superstar Brodus Clay, and Mayor David Yeager.

Afa's daughter Tovale Anoa`i was introduced to say a prayer before dinner. This year's delicious food was provided by The Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill, with dessert from Donut King.

Usos Foundation president Lynn Anoai thanked everyone for their support and explained what the foundation has done in the last year, and then introduced the executive director Andy Salgado. The 2nd Lia Maivia scholarship recipient, Chris Russo, presented the 3rd scholarship to Clifford Aubuchon, who delivered a beautiful and moving speech.

The highlight of the evening was the entertainment. DJ Mini played a great mix of songs, then the Gimme Shimmy Goddesses performed! Vale Anoa'i, Maria Wood, and Diana Anderson donated their time and energy to bellydance for the enchanted audience. After the dancing came the singing. The world-renowned legendary Samoan singer Atoa Ripley (Afa's first cousin) sang several oldie favorites from Frank Sinatra, Englebert Humperdink, and more, that everyone enjoyed and danced to, finishing up with his famous and goose bump-inducing rendition of "My Way", which he dedicated to his cousin Afa. Vale Anoa'i then danced the traditional Samoan Taualuga, followed by 2010 Eki "Umaga" Fatu scholarship recipient Rex Tiumalu's spectacular, awe-inspiring fire knife dance finale!

Usos founder Afa Anoa`i finished off the banquet with a very emotional, heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came to support the event.

Door prizes were won by a lucky few, and the silent auction winners were thrilled with their wins! Door prizes included WWE Pay Per View chairs, Beef O'Brady's and Red Lobster gift certificates, baskets of cheer, and more. The silent auction was very successful. Among some of the special items were an exclusive, custom-made, TV-worn shirt from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, two framed and autographed Dwayne Johnson posters, a one-of-a-kind Mickey Rourke wine bottle (The only one ever made!), autographed Larry Holmes boxing gloves, a multitude of different themed baskets filled with items, Native American hand-made artifacts, theme park tickets, a gigantic Wrestling Fan's Dream basket filled with every kind of memorabilia, a huge Comic Book Lover's Dream basket donated by Action Games & Comics, and much, much more.