Bill Cosby to Host TMCF's Annual Awards Gala, 11/11; Jennifer Holliday to Perform

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is proud to announce its Annual Awards Gala is moving to the nation's capital and will be held on Veteran's Day, Monday, November 11, 2013. This black-tie gala will be hosted by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor, Dr. Bill Cosby and feature an unforgettable performance by Tony and Grammy Award-winning entertainer, Ms. Jennifer Holliday.

The Awards Gala - themed "Developing Minds ... Delivering Dreams" - celebrates the achievements of the country's foremost visionaries who have used their status to positively impact the lives of students attending public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.) The lavish ballroom at the historic Hilton Washington, will provide the ideal backdrop to host congressional members, international dignitaries, corporate and educational leaders, and celebrity "A-Listers". Proceeds from the event enable TMCF to continue its work as a critical link between students getting the most from their education and the opportunity to become a part of a new generation of global leaders.

"This year's 25th Gala is perhaps our most important ever because of the unprecedented challenges facing students attending HBCUs. The college access battle is no longer a legal one; it is a purely financial one. For this reason, TMCF is gathering the nation's most influential people on November 11th in our nation's capitol to celebrate HBCUs and raise money for their students, said TMCF's President and CEO, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. "We believe that Dr. Bill Cosby's lifetime body of work involving educational activism makes him a uniquely ideal host for the evening."

For the first time ever, the following Congressional members have agreed to serve as the Gala's bi-partisan Honorary Host Committee: Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Burr (R-NC), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), Mark L. Pryor (D-AR) and Roger F. Wicker (R-MS). In addition to this amazing Honorary Host Committee, Dr. Bill Cosby, and the original "Dreamgirl," Ms. Jennifer Holliday, we have already confirmed Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the first daughter of the Duke of Marlborough and NFL Washington Redskins All-Star running back, Alfred Morris will be celebrating the night with us. Other special guests are being confirmed and will be announced at a later date.

2013 Award Recipients:

Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The ACT•1 Group presented with the CEO of the Year Award; Johnson & Johnson presented with the Corporate Leadership Award; Larry Waters, Senior Director of Community Commerce and Partnerships, Miller Coors presented with the Community Leader of the Year Award; and Wayne D. Watson, Ph.D., President, Chicago State University presented with the Educational Leadership Award.

The Gala is also the culminating event of TMCF's 13th Annual Leadership Institute being held, November 8-11, 2013, at the Hilton Washington. Over 60 Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, as well as 500 selected HBCU students are will be in attendance.

TMCF has firmly proudly made Washington, DC it's new flagship home, moving the corporate office from New York City. Moving the office and the largest fundraising event of the year to DC will better position TMCF as the place WHERE EDUCATION PAYS OFF.

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