TYLER (KYTX) - The person behind an event previously promising Halle Berry as the headliner, admits the actress won't be making an appearance in Tyler this weekend.
But the Sisters in Christ CEO says the show will go on, even without a budget. "Our budget for the event is faith. There is not a budget , but I just expect great expectations," Michelle Johnson, CEO of Sisters In Christ, said.
But without money and their star, optimism hasn't been easy. "It's putting a really bad damper on what we're wanting to do--it's not self-gratification," Johnson said.
The original plan was a golf tournament at The Cascades with Halle Berry as a special guest. But there wasn't enough money for a deposit for The Cascades, and Berry's publicist says the star isn't coming.
Johnson says she's marching on with her mission to fight Domestic Abuse, regardless. "We are just looking to have a good time and whatever the proceeds are, they are. We'll start moving forward with the Tyson House," Johnson said.
She maintains she's been honest the whole time, but doesn't know where the event will be held now that they couldn't pay the fee to the Cascades.
Jo Steed, the only other employee at Sisters In Christ, defends her partner. "Michelle's been wonderful to me. I couldn't ask for anybody nicer," Steed said.
The event has some asking questions. "It raised a red flag with us because she was such a small organization that was asking for sponsorships as high as $100,000," Mechele Mills, President of the Better Business Bureau of Central and East Texas, said.
After getting inquires, the BBB started looking into the non-profit, so people can make an informed decision about whether or not to contribute.
They say Ms. Johnson has been very cooperative so far, but has a responsibility to tell the public the truth about who will be at the event.
"It's been a lot a week before the event. I'm not a liar," Johnson said.
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