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November 1, 2016 | Alicia Brown

Urban League of Broward County Raised More Than $300,000 at Annual Red Gala

For Immediate Release

Urban League of Broward County Raised More Than $300,000 at Annual Red Gala

"City of Heroes" Themed Gala Also Honored Community Leaders

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (November 1, 2016) – The Urban League of Broward County, a nonprofit human services organization, raised more than $300,000 during its Sept. 24 Red Gala, presented by BankUnited, to support the agency’s education, jobs, housing, and health programs.

More than 500 guests attended the gala, whose theme this year was “City of Heroes,” to honor and celebrate the achievements of the community’s most dedicated leaders involved in improving the lives of children and families through the Urban League of Broward County and its partners.

The Red Gala award recipients were:

  • Star Award Recipient, presented by Macy’s, went to Christopher James, who successfully completed the Urban League of Broward County’s supply chain certification courses. (Need details on the award).
  • Margaret Roach Humanitarian Award, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., went to J. David Armstrong, Jr., President of Broward College. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in the area of social justice, race relations and compassion through community service.
  • Diversity Champion Award, presented by Tripp Scott, P.A., went to Tom Garfinkel, President and CEO, Miami Dolphins. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates commitment diversity and inclusion in business and community.

In addition to honoring these distinguished community leaders, the Red Gala praised several other "heroes," including leaders, supporters, and clients of the Urban League of Broward County who have made a difference through the agency’s programs focused on breaking the cycle of poverty for thousands of individuals and families.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received for our Red Gala which honors the accomplishments of local leaders who embody our agency's mission while also raising funds to support children and families in Broward County,” said Germaine Smith-Baugh, Ed.D., president and CEO of Urban League of Broward County. “It’s humbling to know that we have so many dedicated leaders and supporters who are true heroes in helping to make life better for the people we serve every single day.”

Urban League of Broward County is thankful to the Red Gala’s lead sponsor, BankUnited, which is a longstanding supporter of the agency. In 2015, BankUnited committed a $1 million equity-equivalent investment to fund the Urban League of Broward County’s Small Business Loan Fund, becoming the first financial institution to seed a new micro-lending pool that has improved access to capital for low-income entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state.

Over the years, the Urban League of Broward County’s Red Gala also has been supported by the following major sponsors: American Express, Bacardi, BB&T, B&L Service (Yellow Cab), Becker & Poliakoff, Broward College, Broward Health, Carnival, Chase, Citi, City Furniture, Comcast, David iPhoto, Inc., Cox Media Group, Enterprise Holdings, Florida Power & Light, Greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Holy Cross Hospital, JM Family Enterprises, Macy’s, NBC-6, Mad 4 Marketing, Pediatric Associates, Show Technology Inc., Shutts & Bowen, Sunshine Health, Sun Sentinel, TD Bank, Tripp Scott, P.A., Wells Fargo, WPLG-10 and WSVN- 7.

About Urban League of Broward County

The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit organization founded in 1975 to empower communities and change lives. The mission of the Urban League movement is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights. We strive to break the cycle of poverty for more than 7,000 people every year through our affordable housing, youth development and diversion, employment and training, community empowerment, and civic engagement programs. Learn more about the Urban League of Broward County by calling 954-584-0777 or visiting: www.ulbroward.org. Urban League of Broward County can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ulbroward and on Twitter at @ULBroward.