Maurice Jenkins, left, senior vice president of United Negro College Fund, with Dr. Mona Jain, John Colon, Barbara Williams and Dr. Gary Kompothecras at the UNCF 26th annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. CORRESPONDENT PHOTO / LISA FREDERICK
By LISA FREDERICK Correspondent
Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 4:40 p.m.
Proceeds from the Manatee/Sarasota Chapter of the United Negro College Fund's Scholarship Awards Dinner assist students with tuition costs for higher education.
By LISA FREDERICK Correspondent
Published: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 4:40 p.m.
Proceeds from the Manatee/Sarasota Chapter of the United Negro College Fund's Scholarship Awards Dinner assist students with tuition costs for higher education.
UNCF scholarship winners, from left, James Johnson, Alicia Waiters, Jasmine Lee-Brice and Keisha Seabrook.
The 26th annual banquet was Feb. 26 at the Sarasota Hyatt. *
At the event, the UNCF presented a humanitarian award to Venice-based Agape Flights for delivering supplies and providing critical care to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. .
For the past 30 years, Agape Flights has been supporting Haitians with basic necessities. Dick Armstrong, executive director of Agape Flights, accepted the award at the banquet.
Since the earthquake hit Haiti in January, Armstrong said, the missionary group has been flying out 10 times a week, up from the typical one flight a week. They have provided 300,000 pounds of relief supplies to Haitians and missionaries.
Dr. Gary Kompothecras, a Sarasota chiropractor and creator of the medical and legal referral service 1-800-ASKGARY, served as this year's honorary chairperson and title sponsor for the dinner. He talked about his belief in the importance of education and the success of UNCF during his speech.
"UNCF continues to have significant impact on the lives of tens of thousands of students and the work of its member colleges and universities," Kompothecras said.
Students who will receive funds for college were present at the ceremony. James Johnson is a senior attending Palmetto High School. He plans to attend the University of Miami and study marine biology or nursing. Alicia Waiters is enrolled in State College of Florida with the help of the UNCF. She said the funding provides her with "cushioning" while she earns her degree.
Grammy- and Tony Award-nominated performer Clifton Davis performed with his band at the celebration. Davis expressed the faith he gained in the UNCF after attending Oakwood University, a UNCF-sponsored school at the time.
"I have seen the program first-hand, how it benefits the student in how they get an education," he said.
After attending Oakwood, he went on to earn a master's degree. Davis said his education brought him a level of confidence, value and self-worth that has allowed him to develop the skills to be who he is today.
In addition to Davis's roles as an actor, singer, composer, producer and minister, he is a motivational speaker who has visited more than 150 colleges, universities and high schools. In his speeches, he addresses topics such as black history, drug abuse and spiritual beliefs.
Davis added that he "owes a debt of gratitude" to the UNCF for allowing him to experience the program.
Since 1944, the UNCF has helped more than 350,000 men and women attend college.
For the past 30 years, Agape Flights has been supporting Haitians with basic necessities. Dick Armstrong, executive director of Agape Flights, accepted the award at the banquet.
Since the earthquake hit Haiti in January, Armstrong said, the missionary group has been flying out 10 times a week, up from the typical one flight a week. They have provided 300,000 pounds of relief supplies to Haitians and missionaries.
Dr. Gary Kompothecras, a Sarasota chiropractor and creator of the medical and legal referral service 1-800-ASKGARY, served as this year's honorary chairperson and title sponsor for the dinner. He talked about his belief in the importance of education and the success of UNCF during his speech.
"UNCF continues to have significant impact on the lives of tens of thousands of students and the work of its member colleges and universities," Kompothecras said.
Students who will receive funds for college were present at the ceremony. James Johnson is a senior attending Palmetto High School. He plans to attend the University of Miami and study marine biology or nursing. Alicia Waiters is enrolled in State College of Florida with the help of the UNCF. She said the funding provides her with "cushioning" while she earns her degree.
Grammy- and Tony Award-nominated performer Clifton Davis performed with his band at the celebration. Davis expressed the faith he gained in the UNCF after attending Oakwood University, a UNCF-sponsored school at the time.
"I have seen the program first-hand, how it benefits the student in how they get an education," he said.
After attending Oakwood, he went on to earn a master's degree. Davis said his education brought him a level of confidence, value and self-worth that has allowed him to develop the skills to be who he is today.
In addition to Davis's roles as an actor, singer, composer, producer and minister, he is a motivational speaker who has visited more than 150 colleges, universities and high schools. In his speeches, he addresses topics such as black history, drug abuse and spiritual beliefs.
Davis added that he "owes a debt of gratitude" to the UNCF for allowing him to experience the program.
Since 1944, the UNCF has helped more than 350,000 men and women attend college.
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Note: * Clifton Davis performed with his band (Friday Night) on February 26, 2010 which was a Sabbath!
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