Making a Move to Gain Strength : Gala Raises $75,000 for High School Program to Help Blacks and Other Minorities Succeed

The event: The third annual Black & White Ball, a benefit for the 100 Black Men of Orange County. About 750 people attended the recent black-tie gala at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Guests dined on gourmet fare and danced to the Billy Mitchell Band.

What’s in a name: The 100 Black Men is a national organization comprising 75 chapters in 26 states with more than 10,000 volunteers, who seek to improve the quality of life for blacks and other minorities. The Orange County chapter was founded in 1993. The group’s 45 members serve local youth in education, mentoring, and economic empowerment and development.

Honored: Receiving awards at the event for outstanding leadership were U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove); motivational speaker Anthony J. Robbins; Kip Konwiser, producer of the movie “Miss Evers’ Boys”; Milton Gordon, president of Cal State Fullerton; Wayne Snyder, organizer of the annual Black History Parade in Orange County; the Orange County Chapter of Links Inc.; and Erin Gruwell, an English teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach.

Quote: “We want to empower African Americans and other minorities by being focused and effective, providing leadership when it comes to public policy enhancement, education and social and economic status,” said event chairman T.C. Newman of Tustin.

Bottom line: Net proceeds of about $75,000 will go toward the organization’s Passport to the Future program for high school students. In cooperation with local school districts, the program supports minority students in the areas of self-awareness, cultural history, relationships, skill development, leadership and social responsibility. Young men who successfully complete the four-year program are given $1,000 scholarships that may be used for college or vocational training.

Membership: Membership is by invitation. “We are looking for men who have a significant stake in Orange County,” Newman said. “We want men who want to make a difference and are willing to give of their time.”

Guest list: Ron Coley, president; David Fields, incoming president; Neville Anderson; Earl Mitchell; Anthony Jackson; Jeff Uter; Richard Norwood; Chris Woodard; Austin Ray; Charles Kasinga; Hollis Lee; Ron Fleming; and Gary Murph.

For information: Call (714) 206-1105.