- Urban League of Broward County presents "Sunset Safari" Red Gala on Saturday, September 15 -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (August 29, 2012) – The Urban League of Broward County (ULBC), a non-profit human services organization, will host its annual fundraiser the Red Gala on September 15, 2012 at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. The “Sunset Safari” themed event and will present a night of African-inspired ambiance, an exotic menu infused with native nuances and booming rhythmic performances. Hundreds of supporters, community partners and members of the business community will attend to recognize and honor those who exemplify the Urban League’s mission and dedication to improving the lives of families living in Broward County.

Long-standing supporter of the Urban League, AutoNation, Inc. will present the 2012 Margaret Roach Humanitarian Award to Attorney Eugene Pettis, Esq., Co-founder of Haliczer, Pettis & Schwamm. The award recognizes individuals in the community who demonstrate ongoing leadership in the area of social justice, race relations and compassion to all human beings through dedicated community service. Mr. Pettis recently served as a guest panelist for Jack & Jill of America Southeastern Regional Conference, to address students about the impact of Civil Rights today and how youth can learn from the experiences of the past to pave a brighter future for tomorrow. Pettis has also partnered with the Oscar Thomas Foundation to present “Masterpiece in the Park” an 8-week summer literacy camp that utilized different learning techniques to make learning fun, and encourage the students to build a positive and healthy attitude about school and education. In his capacity as the first African American Florida Bar President, he utilizes his position to inspire and encourage more minority participation in the field of law.

Tripp Scott, P.A. is also a committed supporter of the Urban League and will present the 2012 Diversity Champion Award to William Hawthorne III, Esq., Senior Vice President of Diversity Strategies and Legal Affairs for Macy’s, Inc. The Diversity Champion Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated efficacy in creating, increasing and/or incorporating diversity strategies into their company’s normal business practices. In addition to serving as Chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the American Corporate Counsel Association (ACCA) and Committee Chair of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), Hawthorne drives Macy’s holistic plan to integrate diversity in five critical business areas: workforce, marketing, communications, supply chain and strategic community partnerships.

The final presentation for the evening will be the 2012 I AM EMPOWERED award, which will be presented by Macy’s, Inc. This year the Urban League of Broward County will reach out to our social media fans, followers and friends to select the recipient for the I AM Empowered award. The awardee would have exemplified achievement in part because of the program services provided by the Urban League and their determination to be successful.

“The Red Gala has always been a true party with a purpose,” says Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, ULBC President and CEO. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy a great evening while supporting our community’s most critical resource — our families.” The event will be hosted by co-chairs Filemón López, Senior Vice President, Strategic Operations of Comcast and Howard Greenberg, President, Publisher and CEO of the Sun Sentinel. The silent auction will feature exciting items and experiences including two tickets to South Africa aboard South African Airways, tickets to a live taping of NBC’s The Voice Season 3, fine jewelry, hotel accommodations, high end art pieces and much more.

As part of the this year’s celebration the ULBC has garnered the continuous support of the following sponsors (as of 8/29/12), A Basket Affair, Advance Roofing, Inc., American Express, AutoNation, BB&T, BR Signs, Broward College, Broward Health, Citigroup, Citrix, City Furniture, Coca Cola Enterprises, Comcast, David iPhoto, Inc., D. Stephenson Construction, Design2Form, Dickey Consulting, Enterprise Holdings, Everest College, Florida Atlantic University, Fifth Third Bank, Florida Power & Light, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Great American Farms, Haliczer, Pettis, & Schwamm, Halmos Holdings, Inc., Emblem Health (HIPA), Holy Cross Hospital, Huizenga Holdings, JM Family Enterprises, Kaplan University, Macy’s Inc., Memorial Healthcare, MicroSecurity Systems, Nova Southeastern University, PNC Bank, Show Technology Inc. South African Airways, Stiles Corporation, Sunshine Health Plan (Centene), Sun Sentinel, TD Bank, Toshiba Solutions, Tripp Scott, P.A., WSVN – Channel 7 and Wells Fargo.

Doors will open at 7:00 PM with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Tickets for the Red Gala are $200 per person and sponsorships begin at $500. For more information about the 2012 Red Gala or to purchase tickets, call (954) 584-0777, or visit us at www.ulbroward.org.  

ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF BROWARD COUNTY

The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit, community based organization founded in 1975. We empower communities and change lives. Our mission is to assist African Americans and other disenfranchised groups in the achievement of social and economic equality. Programs/services include affordable housing development and redevelopment, youth development, diversion, employment and training, education and community empowerment, and civic engagement.