About the Dinner
The Annual Whitney Holiday Dinner, founded by Rahfeal Gordon, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of giving and community support. Inspired by his own experiences as a child living in the Apostles’ House Emergency Shelter, where he attended a holiday dinner hosted by Whitney Houston, Rahfeal recognized the profound impact such gatherings can have on families in need.
Whitney Houston’s legacy, including her work through The Whitney Houston Foundation For Children, laid the groundwork for this meaningful event. The foundation focused on aiding sick and homeless children, preventing child abuse, and promoting literacy, all while creating joyful moments for families during the holidays. The Christmas dinners she organized allowed families to come together and celebrate, even in difficult times.
Motivated by this legacy, Rahfeal has dedicated himself to continuing Whitney’s tradition through the Rahfeal Gordon Foundation in their hometown of Newark, New Jersey. His commitment is driven by the belief that it is essential to remember our roots and the individuals who support us during challenging moments. “It is important that we do not forget where we come from and those who helped us in times of need,” Rahfeal explains. “This dinner symbolizes the compassion that all great leaders should have towards others in need.”
Over the years, the Whitney Holiday Dinner has become a beacon of hope and support for countless women and families, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
“It is important that we do not forget where we come from and those who helped us in time of need. As a leader, it is important to lead by example. This dinner symbolizes the compassion that all great leaders should have towards others in need and to never forget that we are all servants for the greater good of humanity.”
Each December, Rahfeal’s foundation brings together individuals to share a meal, celebrate resilience, and remind attendees of the strength found in unity and compassion. The lasting impact of this event echoes the very essence of service and generosity, making it a cherished occasion for all who participate.
This year, he is hosting the 9th Annual Whitney Dinner dedicated to the residents at The Apostle House. Since the start of this annual event, Rahfeal has served a total of 127 single parent mothers living in the shelter.
The mission of The Apostles’ House (TAH) is to provide comprehensive social services to homeless and at-risk families and individuals in the Newark area in an environment that encourages and enables self-sufficiency.
This family shelter offers a safe, nurturing environment for families in crisis with the goal of providing the stabilization necessary to break the cycle of poverty they experience. Each year over 100 women and children call the shelter home in this 30-bed facility/8 crib facility. In addition to providing shelter, the program provides three daily meals, case management, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, recreational activities and is staffed 24/7 in order to provide safety and security to their residence.