Varsity U Red Gala guests: Melissa Sackman and Shawn Sackman; Mayor Dean Trantalis; Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman; Wayne Pittman; Wayne Thompson, son of Wayne Thompson PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CONTENT FACTORY

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – The Urban League of Broward County hosted a spectacular Red Gala on Saturday night at the Broward County Convention Center, honoring local leaders and raising crucial funds for its vital community programs.

The varsity-themed fundraiser, presented by FPL, featured top sponsors Memorial Health, Fifth Third Bank, and Sunshine Health, celebrated individuals who have made a significant impact on the community. Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie received the Tripp Scott Diversity Champion Award for their commitment to fostering inclusion within their company. Henry Graham, CEO of Liberia Economic Services, was honored with the Margaret Roach Humanitarian Award for his legacy of servant leadership in the city of Hollywood. Tangy Frederick, founder and CEO of Cre8tiv Devs was recognized with the I AM Empowered Award, presented by Chase, for her dedication to giving back to the community.

“The Red Gala is a testament to the power of community and the incredible work being done by our organization,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. “We are grateful to our honorees, sponsors, and attendees for their unwavering support, which enables us to continue serving the needs of thousands of individuals in our community.”

During the gala, the league announced plans to develop The Village @ Oakland Park, a mixed-use development featuring 355 apartments and 114 townhouses on a 19.7-acre site. The project, located at the northwest corner of Northwest 21st Street and Northwest 26th Avenue, received a significant boost with a $850,000 federal grant from Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick’s office. As the Urban League of Broward County celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, this gala marked a significant milestone in its journey to empower individuals and create a more equitable community.

 

 

 

 

Broward County Urban League’s Varsity U Red Gala: Top left, Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh, president and CEO of Broward Urban League; Nadege LeBlanc, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick and Tim Hogans, project director of NextEra Energy and Urban League of Broward Board chair. Top right includes Juliet Murphy Roulhac, director for Corporate External Affairs, Broward and West Florida for Florida Power & Light Company. Bottom left and right includes political dignitaries, law firm partners and corporate executives.