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Diane Bell-McKoy, CEO of Associated Black Charities (ABC), and Jewel West, Proprietor of The Jewel Salon, take a moment and pose for BMORENEWS at ABC's 2008 Annual Gala at Dave & Buster's of Arundel Mills Mall.

Dave & Buster’s was the backdrop for non-profit’s “Sports Legends” theme

(ANNE ARUNDEL – June 14, 2008) – In an ongoing effort to raise funds for one of Baltimore’s most esteemed non-profits, Associated Black Charities of Maryland (ABC) held its annual gala last night at Dave & Buster’s at Arundel Mills Mall.

Doni Glover, Jewel West, and NBA legend Phil Chenier

To say the least, the event featured a “Sports Legends” theme – quite a twist from the black-tie affairs people are used to. Additionally, everyone from the local funeral industry’s Victor and Annette March to NBA legend Phil Chenier to former Baltimore Colts’ standout Lenny “Sputnik” Moore to Maryland’s “Dean of Business” Raymond V. Haysbert, Sr. were on hand as Diane Bell-McKoy’s ABC staff presented a most unique occasion for all whom attended.

“The gist of the event was raising funds,” said Bell-McKoy, the former President and CEO of Empower Baltimore Management Corporation.

She added, “It was to get money to give money so as to better help close the woeful health and wealth gap, particularly for African Americans.”

When asked about the attendance, she responded, “I was pleased with the turnout, particularly because the affair was indicative of ABC thinking outside of the box.”

Typically, ABC’s galas are black tie and held in some of the plushest locations around Baltimore.

This time, however, ABC altered the format and the location.

“By having an event outside of the city – and one that was black-tie optional – with a ‘Sports Legends’ theme, I think we were able to further highlight that ABC is, in fact, a statewide entity with regional goals. And it was an opportunity for annual attendees to have a different kind of experience.”

She also noted her appreciation for the “legends” in attendance, including US Olympic all-star gymnast Dominique Dawes and Baltimore-reared NFL standout Calvin Hill.

“I do want to thank the Mayor [Sheila Dixon], City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and US Senator Ben Cardin.”

Key sponsors for the event included the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation and M&T Bank.

“It was just a labor of love,” said Baltimore Ravens’ Community Relations Director Kenneth Abrams. Abrams, who served as the Chair for the ABC 2008 annual gala added, “It was an honor and a privilege to work with Diane, Tanya Terrell [ABC’s COO], and the entire ABC staff and board, as well as my gala committee – who happens to be my dream team. Without them, it wouldn’t have been successful.”

Of the legends present, he noted Orlando “Zeus” Brown, former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman and Baltimore Ravens running back P.J. Daniels.

“I was very pleased with the turnout, and also the participation of many of our sponsors including MedStar, Care First, Safeway, Forrest City, Smythe Jewelers, Nikru - and everybody else who contributed to making this one heck of an occasion.”   

Associated Black Charities’ vision is to transform communities to become self-sustaining, competitive and contributing through responsible leadership, investment and philanthropy. The Maryland based non-profit organization’s mission is to cultivate, secure and direct financial and intellectual capital towards developing self-sustaining, cooperative and competitive communities.

Tags: health, non-profit, wealth