FT. LAUDERDALE – The Urban League of Broward County will host its 22nd annual Equal Opportunity Day “Red Gala” on Saturday evening, September 27, 2008 at the Broward County Convention Center-Grand Floridian Ballroom, located at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s theme “Celebrating the Exhilarating Rhythm & Flavor of Broward,” will showcase Broward County’s diverse Jamaican, Trinidad & Tobago cultures through culinary delights, entertainment, music and sights throughout the evening in a non-formal open seating atmosphere.
“The Equal Opportunity Day/ Red Gala is our chance to showcase the amazing work that the Urban League does every day to change lives as well as to recognize others in our community that are doing the same, said Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh, president & CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. “ This year we wanted to feature two countries that are undeniably an important part of the fabric of Broward County.”
The purpose of the Urban League of Broward County Equal Opportunity Day Red Gala is to honor several extraordinary individuals for their contribution to empowering, developing and changing the lives of individuals, children and families throughout Broward County.
Florida State Senator, Christopher Smith will receive the Margaret Roach Humanitarian Award for his work on promoting educational opportunities for children, expanding health care for residents of Broward County, and his most recent endeavor, to help restore civil rights to individuals who have law violations recorded against them.
The GenNext Momentum Award will be presented to Gregory Haile who escaped the conditions of a difficult past, went on to college and law school to distinguish himself amongst his peers, and demonstrates the need for mentoring and giving back to empower his community.
Tony and Woodie Lesesne of Lesesne Media Group will receive the Minority Entrepreneur Award. Tony and Woodie started publishing In Focus Magazine in 1993 and has expanded the publication into a Multi-Media conglomerate to include entertainment, film, and music productions. Through their untiring effort and commitment to publish positive stories about South Florida residents, Tony and Woodie are committed to serving the community and developing the lives of children through serving on various boards that creates programming for developing positive experiences for children on a daily basis. The Community Builder Award will be presented to George Rahael founder of Amera Corporation, and former Chair of the Trinidad & Tobago –USA Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Rahael has an established track record of developing quality, market-shaping properties that has contributed to the economic growth of Broward County and has created employment opportunities for minorities seeking to improve or change the quality of life for their families and communities.
Dwight Stephenson, NFL Hall of Famer and President & CEO of D. Stephenson Construction Inc. will receive the Diversity Champion Award for providing jobs, and building better communities for families. Stephenson founded his construction company in 1995 with the mission to have “One goal, one step at a time,” for changing lives.
Travis S. Baten will be recognized as this years Youth Achiever. Travis has been a member of the Urban League programs since he was 11 years old and credits the organization with keeping him on the right track. A junior at Fort Lauderdale High, Travis’s goal is to become Valedictorian of his graduating senior class.
“We want people to leave the Red Gala feeling exhilarated, more knowledgeable about the featured countries, but most of all, excited about getting more involved with the Urban League,” stated Barbara Sharief, Urban League of Broward County Board Member-Chairwoman of the 2008 EOD Red Gala, and President & CEO of South Florida Pediatric Homecare, Inc.
