Ayanna Najua and Reggie Van Lee. (John Wegorzewski)

Sag Harbor - Sag Harbor award winning author and Editor Emerita Essence Magazine, Susan L. Taylor, and her husband author, playwright and producer Khephra Burns hosted a poolside "Thanks-for-Giving" party last week at their Azurerest home to thank supporters and committee members of the recent On Our Toes in the Hamptons Gala to benefit Evidence, A Dance Company.

The annual benefit gala was the brainchild of Taylor to showcase African-American culture on the East End. Nine years ago she and Reginald Van Lee organized the first gala at a private home. Since then thanks to the long term support of such corporate supporters as Noel Hankin, Moet Hennessey, Felicia Daniels, Continental Airlines, Booz Allen Hamilton, Prudential, Verizon, Baume & Mercier, Barbados Tourism Board and scores of individuals, the event has become the premiere African-American cultural and social event on the Hamptons calendar. Each year, the fete draws patrons from all across the country.

Midway through the late afternoon affair, Susan and Khephra invited the 100 plus guests to join them in a circle around the pool for a prayer of thanks and inspirational words from the couple and Evidence, A Dance Company founder and artistic director Ronald K. Brown.