Urban League’s Red Gala honoring community leaders

The Sunset Safari themed event will present a night of African-inspired ambiance, an exotic menu infused with native nuances and booming rhythmic  performances. 

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

Hundreds of supporters, community partners and members of the business community are expected to 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.

Longstanding Urban League supporter 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.

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 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 Germaine Smith-Baugh, ULBC president and CEO. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy a great evening while supporting the 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, Sun-Sentinel publisher and CEO. The silent auction will feature 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.

*Pictured above is Urban League of Broward County President and CEO Germaine Smith-Baugh, center, with the organization’s 2012 Red Gala co-chairs Howard Greenberg, left, and Filemon Lopez.