By: Lidia Evita, Staff Writer for World Liberty TV
The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s Sports Ball 2024, the 30th Annual Black Tie & Sneakers Gala, was held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.
Dr. Marilyn Fraser, CEO of AAIUH presenting award to Thomas Halloran CEO Fidelis Care
The evening was hosted by Cathleen Trigg-Jones, an Emmy-Award-winning journalist, producer, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur and actress.
Dr. Marilyn Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, and Brett Wright, Chairman of the Board, joined Ms. Trigg-Jones on stage to discuss the importance of the Institute’s work in health equity.
Brett Wright Chair of AAIUH with his wife and daughter
Dr. Fraser presented the Arthur Ashe Institute Leadership Award to Thomas Halloran, Chief Executive Officer of Fidelis Care; Amir Bassiri, Medicaid Director on behalf of the New York State Department of Health Insurance Programs; and Dr. Jason Lazar, Vice Dean for Education.
Dr Abbey with Ottis Anderson former running back for the New York Giant
And Chair of the Department of Medical Education at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.
This award is presented to those who are living embodiments of Arthur Ashe’s legacy, dedicating their time, expertise and influence to a cause greater than themselves.
R-L LeeAnn Hicks ,SportsBall Executive Producer and SportsBall guest Yvette Miller
The honorees spoke with Dr. Fraser on stage to discuss their work and impact, their relationship with the Institute, and the power of collective work and partnerships between community organizations, government entities, and institutions of learning.
R-L Dr Abbey with Cathleen Trigg Jones Emcee of event and Actress Yvonna K Wright
Following the presentation of the awards, Ms. Trigg-Jones introduced Jerome Archer, owner of Platinum Cuts Inc. barbershop and Elaine Richards, owner of Royal Ambiance salon in Brooklyn, who work with the Institute’s community outreach programs to promote health awareness and assistance to their clients as trusted members of their community.
Dr Abbey with Voza Rivers Founder & Chairman of Harlem Arts Alliance
Ms. Trigg-Jones also introduced two alumni of the Institute’s Health Science Academy (HSA): Roudjessie Charles, who graduated from HSA in 2017 and is now a manager at the Health Science Academy, and Dr. Joshua McHugh, a 2002 HSA graduate, who is now a physician.
George Hulse, VP of Emblem with his wife and SportsBall guest, Dr. Susan Beane
With these individuals, Ms. Trigg-Jones discussed the impact that the Institute’s initiatives have had in the Brooklyn community and how the Health Science Academy has influenced the career path of 30 cohorts of students.
Following these conversations, the evening’s auction was hosted by Ottis Anderson, former running back for the New York Giants.
Guests enjoying 30th Annual celebration
A representative of the United States Tennis Association awarded the association’s annual scholarship of $1,968—the year Arthur Ashe won the US Open—to two graduates of the Health Science Academy: Megan Vanzie, Class of 2023.
VIP Guests networking during cocktail hour
Who is majoring in Health Science on a Pre-Physical Therapy track at Howard University, and Kareem Bhaim, Class of 2024, who is enrolled in the Pre-Engineering program at Providence College.
All attendees received complimentary sneakers from Reebok, the evening’s official footwear provider, and additional treats from Clinique, Miss Jessie’s Natural Hair Products, LoMar Farms, and FitBiomics.
Silent Auction Items
It was a well-attended event like always, to honor the legacy of Arthur Ashe and the great humanitarian alongside Sports great he was.
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