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The Urban League of Greater New Orleans

Section: Community

Directors,

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans will hold its annual Golden Gala, Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel, located at 500 Canal Street. As we embark on our 30th annual gala, we want this year's event to be more successful than ever! Last year, we “sold-out” the ballroom at the Hilton and raised about $225k. Although the economic picture remains grim, with focus and our best effort, I believe this year's goal of $250k can be realized. To accomplish this, we must fill the room with tables at a higher level of sponsorship and keep expenses down while delivering a stellar gala. To that end, the 2009 Annual Gala will offer sponsorships at the $1500, $2500, $5000, $10,000 and $25,000 levels. By now, you should have received an invoice outlining the different gala levels. We are asking that you champion this fundraising effort by being the first to pledge your support!

This year's honoree is former social work pioneer, Dr. Millie McClelland Charles, former Dean of Social Work at Southern University of New Orleans. We are working vigorously to identify co-chairs. If you should have chairperson recommendations, please forward them. At the last board meeting, a target sponsor list was distributed, highlighting potential sponsors within various industry sectors such as chemical, transportation and construction. Should you have relationships with any company on the list, please feel free to contact them on the agency’s behalf to solicit there support. If there are companies who are missing or not on our radar, please provide the company's name and contact information so we may reach out to them.

Last year we opted to allow the staff to handle the logistical aspects of the Gala. I challenge us to acknowledge and accept our responsibility to assist in fund development and promoting our Gala as THE EVENT for the summer.

A gala committee meeting is planned for Wednesday, April 22, at 12 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Urban League on Canal Street in the multi-purpose Room on the 1st floor. If you are interested in joining the Gala committee, please let us know so you can be added to the list to receive meeting notices. Even if you do not volunteer to serve on the Gala Committee, your participation is critical to our success. If you have other ideas or resources, they are welcome.

Jevon Williams

Gala Committee Chairperson

Shell Offshore Inc.

701 Poydras Street

New Orleans, LA

504.728.4323 ph.

Jevon.williams@shell.com

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