(BLACK RP WIRE) MIAMI GARDENS, FL [OCTOBER 13, 2010] –During the same week of the Miami premiere of the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” original “Dreamgirl” Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive this year’s Community Leadership Award during “A Night to Remember,” Florida Memorial University’s Fourth Annual President’s Scholarship Gala. The fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.

The Gala is the fourth annual installment of the University’s mission to generate proceeds benefiting the Florida Memorial University Student Scholarship Fund. The evening will include a gourmet dinner, award presentations, and a command vocal performance from popular singer Nicole Henry.

Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph is best known for originating the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” alongside original cast members Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Devine. The landmark role, which was later reprised on the big-screen by superstar Beyonce, earned her Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Actress. She is also known for her starring roles in the top-rated television show “Moesha” with Brandy and the blockbuster film “Sister Act II” with Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill.

Sheryl Lee Ralph was selected as this year’s Community Leadership Award recipient for parlaying her entertainment passion into a campaign to generate HIV / AIDS awareness and prevention through her non-profit organization, The Diva Foundation. She also spreads her message through her one-woman show called “Sometimes I Cry,” which illustrates women’s lifestyle challenges as they cope with the debilitating effects of AIDS. Mrs. Ralph is also credited for creating “Divas Simply Singing,” an evening of performances that has become one of Hollywood’s most exciting new AIDS benefits.

Individual tickets for the gala will be sold for $150 and must be purchased by October 15. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please call Ms. Regine Beauboeuf at (305) 623-1446.

About Florida Memorial University:

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and 4 graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized for being the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and the home of Barrington Irving, Jr., the first and youngest pilot of African descent to fly solo around the world. For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.