AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: Record $6.2 million raised during Thurgood Marshall College Fund anniversary weekend

Danny Glover MCs star-studded annual gala celebrating its 22nd year; Mary J. Blige presented with coveted Breaking Barriers Award

       *New York City has returned to its usual relaxed state of mind after haven’t been sent through a massive celebratory whirl caused by more than 600 excited students enrolled at 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), together with 4,000 educators, philanthropists, CEOs, business and government executives, celebrities, tastemakers and media who converged on The Big Apple to celebrate the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) 22nd anniversary dinner weekend in New York City.

      The anniversary gala is a culmination of the weekend festivities.  In addition to the gala, the anniversary weekend consisted of three other primary events: The 9th Annual Leadership Institute Recruitment Conference & Career Fair, the 4th Annual FRONT ROW Fashion Show and the Prestige Awards.

      The whirlwind weekend kicked off with the 9th annual Leadership Institute and Recruitment Conference & Career Fair at The Sheraton NY Hotel & Towers on Friday, October 23.  The event is the largest recruitment conference in the nation dedicated to providing leadership development and professional development training to HBCU students bringing together students attending the 47-public HBCUs with top executives to prepare students to be more competitive professionals.  The conference has a recruiting component that provides access for students to potential career opportunities with many of the nation’s leading corporations and government agencies.

      On Saturday, October 24, all eyes were up front at the 4th annual Front Row Fashion Show at the historic Roseland Ballroom featuring a runway show with the latest apparel and accessories from several of the industry’s established and emerging designers.  The annual fashion showcase pays tribute to some of the fashion industry’s leading professionals and style icons who have advanced and influenced multicultural style and achievements in the industry.

      On Sunday, October 25, hundreds headed to Saks Fifth Avenue for the Prestige Awards that acknowledges the achievements of individuals who are young, talented and have made notable contributions to their professions, industries and communities.  The coveted commendation is one of the highest awards presented annually to honorees that consistently demonstrate leadership and embody the commitment and legacy of the late Justice Thurgood Marshall.

      The stellar anniversary weekend culminated in a gorgeous gala on Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers where thousands gathered together to celebrate the TMCF’s 22nd annual gala in the stately Grand Ballroom.

      Themed “TMCF @ 22: Lighting the Path for Tomorrow’s Leaders,” the anniversary dinner raised $6.2 million, breaking all previous records.  The funds raised will assist in leadership development, programmatic support, scholarships and capacity-building for the 47-public HBCUs.

      The event also honored the achievements of the country’s foremost visionaries, activists and organizations that use their status to affect positive change in their communities and to embody the legacy of Thurgood Marshall through their commitment to the Fund and its mission.

      The 2009 TMCF honorees included: Brent O.E. Clinkscale, Esq., Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PPLC (founder’s award); James Mitchell, Jr., senior managing director-alternative investments, General Electric Asset Management, Inc. (corporate leadership award); Charles Merinoff, vice chairman & CEO, The Charmer Sunbelt Group (community leadership award); and Dr. Mary Evans Sias, president, Kentucky State University (educational leadership award).

      Recording superstar Mary J. Blige, founder and president, Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN), was the recipient of the breaking barriers award, the Fund’s highest honor presented to an individual annually to foster relationships with future generations in the fields of entertainment, arts, public service and law.  The award represents the late Justice Marshall’s commitment to equal opportunity for all men and women regardless of their race, creed, religion or origin.  The recipient of this award serves as a role model for youth of the world.

      Celebrities serving as presenters during the prestigious event included: Jasmine Guy, Tasha Smith, Lynn Whitfield, Brian Courtney Wilson and Monica. John Esposito, president & CEO, Bacardi, USA Inc., and Carl Dalstrom, president & CEO, USA Funds, served as gala co-chairs.  Recording Artists Raheem DeVaughn and Fantasia as well as the Kentucky State University Glee Club performed throughout the evening.

      During the gala, acclaimed actor Danny Glover, who served as Master of Ceremonies, announced to the audience donations received from Fortune 500 companies Wal-Mart in the amount of $1 million and Miller Coors in the amount of $1.275 million to invest in the nation’s next leaders that attend HBCUs that TMCF serve.  

      “Our supporters dedicated their resources in spite of lean times to show their commitment to the future of America,” said a visibly happy Dwayne Ashley, president & CEO, TMCF. “Their gifts will have an immediate impact in investing in the national need to produce leaders.” 

      The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 6 Law Schools located in 22 states with a population of well over 250,000 students.

      Over the last 22 years, TMCF has awarded more than $100 million in leadership development, programmatic and capacity support, and scholarships enabling more than 7,500 students to attend public HBCUs. It is the only national organization of its type that provides merit-based scholarships and programmatic support to students attending the nation’s public HBCUs.

      TMCF also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. TMCF is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization.  (Photos by Steve Azzuro and Ronnie Wright)

Walmart's Rollin Ford presents $1 million check to Jennifer Wider, vice president of development, TMCF surrounded by TMCF members
 

Actress Tasha Smith, Danny Glover

Dwayne Ashley, Honoree Dr. Mary Evans Sias

Honoree Brent O.E. Clinkscale, Esq., Miss USA Kristen Dalton, Honoree Charles Merinoff, Dwayne Ashley

Jasmine Guy

Dwayne Ashley, Steve Manning, Jamie Brown, Marlon Jackson