The heat was on at Florida Memorial University’s (FMU) 12th Annual Scholarship Gala held recently at the Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston. Dwyane Wade Jr., of the World Champion Miami HEAT, was the special guest of honor and electrified the event, which drew hundreds of philanthropic South Floridians and raised $250,000.
Calvin Hughes, co-anchor on WPLG-TV Local 10 served as the eloquent master of ceremonies for the program. Several awards were presented to dedicated individuals and organizations for unwavering support and volunteerism, including Commissioner Barbara Jordan (Miami-Dade County), Evelyn Davenport-Bethune, Rev. Wayne B. Lomax, George Weaver, the Miami-Dade County Chapter of The Links Inc. and Thompson Hospitality Inc.
Guests were entertained by the Ambassador Chorale Ensemble under the direction of Melvin White, enjoyed a delectable dinner, and danced the night away.
Hats off to Yolanda Cash-Jackson and Ricardo Forbes, committee co-chairs, for a magnificent, memorable evening. Others seen on the scene were: Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis (interim President, FMU), Shirley Archie, Dr. Cynthia Clarke, Priscilla Adams Dobbs, Dr. Barbara Edwards, Betty Ferguson, Charles W. George, Viéra K. Galloway, C. Vernon Martin, Rev. Wendell H. Paris, Jr., Dr. Gwendolyn Robinson, Jeris Smith, Dwight Stephenson, Dolores S. Washington, Dr. Geneva Woodard, and Dr. Adrienne B. Wright.
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South Florida Greeks (sorors and fraters, that is) entertained the locals throughout the weekend of Oct. 4-6. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter, and the gents of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Alpha Chapter, threw their first P&G Takeover: Old Skool Meets New Skool affair on Friday night at the chic Villa 221 in downtown Miami.
The joint fundraiser brought together both young and “experienced” to enjoy the hits of the 70s, 80s, and 90s (Old Skool) and the popular sounds of today (New Skool). Proceeds from the event went toward each organization’s scholarship fund.
Among those seen on the scene include: Sandra L. Jackson, Stephen and Vanessa Murray, Brandon Roundtree, Thomas Snowden, Janice Spann-Givens, and Deborah Varnadore-Simmons.
Then, less than 48 hours later, the AKAs hosted a lively day party and Miami Dolphin watch party at Fado’s Irish Pub in downtown Miami. Dolfans and supporters seen on the scene mixing, mingling and rooting for the home team included: Reginald Constant, Damar Davis, Nicholas and Sheila DeToro Forlenza, Dasha Garner, Saderia Hooks, Sandra L. Jackson, Gelisa Lewis, Jennifer Longino, Taneil Mack, Dana McCulloch, Jasmaine McKinney, Nadia Myrthil, Marilyn O’Brien, Heather Paschal, Sharletta Rawls, Jacquelle Sconiers, Harry and Stephanie Wallace, Paris Walker and Aja Watkins. Although the Fins didn’t win, a good time was certainly had by all.
Linda J. Johnson, a Miami native, is a veteran educator with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, a certified etiquette consultant, and also serves on nonprofit boards in the community. She can be reached at lindaj754@aol.com
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