Miami Lakes – The Orange Bowl Committee (OBC) today announced that funds from the eighth annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit Presented by Publix Supermarkets, Inc. will partially benefit a new scholarship program it has established in conjunction with the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami.
Proceeds from the May 14 event at the Broward County Convention Center will be split among two programs. In conjunction with the Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center in Miami, the Orange Bowl Committee will provide one-year college scholarships based on need to qualified Haitian-American students residing in South Florida. The initiative will be administered through the Educational Assistance and Scholarship Program.
“Sant La is pleased to partner with the Orange Bowl Committee for this immensely beneficial program, which will further our mission to empower and strengthen South Florida’s Haitian community to ensure its success and stability,” said Gepsie M. Metellus, Executive Director for Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.
The other program will provide scholarships to one female and one male student-athlete from each of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties based on need, academic success and community service.
“The Orange Bowl Committee is dedicated to spreading goodwill throughout South Florida,” said Antonia Williams-Gary, chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit Presented by Publix Supermarkets, Inc. committee. “Therefore, it was natural for the Committee to provide support for these two worthwhile community programs benefiting the youth of South Florida.”
The event will honor several prominent South Floridians for their contributions to the community. Jonathan Vilma, former Coral Gables High School, University of Miami and current football standout of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints, will be awarded the Orange Bowl Keith Tribble Trailblazer Award, which honors an individual who has made a significant impact in South Florida and prepared a way for others to enjoy a better life. Selected for their service to the community, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, community activist Alain Armand, Esq. and high school basketball coach Lorenzo Hands will be recognized at the scholarship benefit as well.
WPLG Local 10’s Calvin Hughes will emcee the evening, themed “Embracing Caribbean Culture” in recognition of the devastating January earthquake that struck Haiti. Tickets for the eighth annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit Presented by Publix Supermarkets, Inc. can be purchased by visiting www.orangebowl.org or contacting 305.341.4702. A table for 10 is $1000, while premium tables can be purchased for $1500 and individual tickets for $100.
The eighth annual Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Orange Bowl Field of Dreams Scholarship Benefit Presented by Publix Supermarkets, Inc. is being held Friday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. at the Broward County Convention Center. Orange Bowl Committee sponsors Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Gold Coast Beverage Distributors/Stella Artois, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Wachovia Wells-Fargo Foundation and Sun Life Stadium join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida in this community outreach effort. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida has been involved in all eight of the events.
