Signature event aims to raise significant college scholarship dollars  for  women of African descent
 
(Long Island, N.Y.)  The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Long Island Chapter Incorporated will be hosting its biennial gala, the “Black and White Candlelight Ball” on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at the magnificent Garden City Hotel located at 45 Seventh Street in Garden City, New York.   For more than two decades the Black and White Candlelight Ball has served as the organization’s signature event which recognizes outstanding African Americans and has raised more than $150,000 in scholarship dollars for college-bound women of African descent. 
 
Distinguished Trailblazer honorees being recognized at this year’s event for their outstanding leadership and pioneering efforts include: Corporate Trailblazer, Carla Harris, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley; Finance Trailblazer, Monique Townes, Senior Vice President, Citibank- North America: Arts Trailblazer, Tamara Tunie (pictured right), Actor/Producer/Director, Star of Law & Order SVU; and Community/Civil    Rights/Aviators Trailblazers, The Tuskegee Airmen.  The event will also feature a tribute to two unsung “Sheroes”, Joysetta Pearse from Nassau County, and Myrna Fraser Taylor from Suffolk County, for their commitment to their respective local communities.  The fundraiser has garnered a great deal of support from the local community and businesses alike, including commitments from Platinum Sponsor Citibank NA, and Advocate Sponsor Prudential.   

The evening’s festivities, being emceed by DeMarco Morgan (pictured right), Anchor & Reporter for WNBC 4 New York, will kick-off with a cocktail reception beginning at 6:30pm followed by seating for dinner at 7:15pm.  Entertainment will be provided by the renowned Warren Daniels Orchestra.
 
National Coalition of 100 Black Women Long Island Chapter Incorporated
In April 1982, this organization was incorporated as 100 Black Women of Long Island, Inc. The organization worked diligently to tackle several local issues and later joined forces to become an affiliate chapter of the emerging National Coalition of 100 Black Women.  The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter Inc. (NCBW 100 LI) a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, works in concert with more than 7,000 members representing 65 chapters in 26 states, and the District of Columbia. After more than twenty-five years, our founding vision to ensure a role for women of African descent in the mainstream of Long Island remains the principal focus of the organization. Today, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Long Island Chapter, Inc. advocates on behalf of women of African descent through local and national actions that promote equity in, health, education and economic development by:

• Building strategic alliances with like-minded individuals and organizations to achieve mutual goals.
• Empowering members to achieve business/professional opportunities and serve as effective leaders.
• Influencing public policy that impacts women of African descent and their communities.
• Celebrating the culture and achievements of people of African descent

For additional information about the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Long Island Chapter Incorporated, please visit www.li100bw.org.