BLACK AND GOLD GALA 2024
The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation hosted the 2024 Black & Gold Gala on June 13 at Vie by Cescaphe. With more than 400 attendees, the event raised more than $600,000, supporting student scholarships. As the College Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the Black & Gold Gala has raised more than $3.2 million since 2018.
The Gala was emceed by Rick Williams from 6abc and attended by community, civic, and business leaders from some of Philadelphia’s most engaged companies and organizations, including platinum sponsors Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and Parx Casino.
Mayor Cherelle Parker served as honorary chair and gave an impassioned speech for the utility of Community College of Philadelphia: “Community College of Philadelphia is more than just an educational institution; it is a vibrant hub that serves all facets of our community.”
Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia, shared: “Your investment in student support goes beyond individual students; it resonates throughout our entire community, playing a pivotal role in transforming lives and strengthening the fabric of Philadelphia.”
Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, Community College of Philadelphia Foundation president and first lady of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, said:
“One of the things that I like to say about the goal of my time as president of the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation is to transform the lives of Philadelphians and the city of Philadelphia through access to excellent education at Community College of Philadelphia. We have an opportunity to really make a difference. We are the city's college.”
2024 Honorees
The Black & Gold Gala recognizes the outstanding service of individuals and organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, and health. This year, the College celebrated the following recipients:
Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN, '95
CEO, MANNA
Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders, Change Our Future
Daniel K. Fitzpatrick
President, Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross
Thank you to the 2024 Black & Gold Gala sponsors
PLATINUM
John Alchin and Hal Marryatt
Julian and Lois Brodsky and the Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
Parx Casino
GOLD
Independence Blue Cross
SILVER
Neubauer Family Foundation
BRONZE
The Charitas Foundation | Citizens | Comcast NBCUniversal | Green Family Foundation | Imagine 360 | Jefferson | Steve Korman and Linda Richardson Korman | Penn Medicine | Philadelphia Phillies | Pincus Family Foundation | Stradley Ronan | Tucker Law Group
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
BLACK & GOLD GALA 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Impact of Gala Sponsors as Community Partners
Sponsors like Parx Casino play an essential role in advancing the mission of Community College of Philadelphia. Through their generous contributions and meaningful partnerships, they help raise critical scholarship dollars and transform lives.
As the 2025 and 2024 Gala Committee Chair and the 2021 Black & Gold Gala Community Hero Honoree, Davis has strengthened the partnership between Parx Casino and the College. Under his leadership, Parx Casino has contributed more than $500,000 since 2015 to support student success.
“Parx is always proud to partner with Community College of Philadelphia, as students and the community are our shared focus. With this event, we are able to give back while also enjoying all the festivities of the night together.”
–RON W. DAVIS
DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,
PARX CASINO
As the 2025 and 2024 Gala Committee Chair and the 2021 Black & Gold Gala Community Hero Honoree, Davis has strengthened the partnership between Parx Casino and the College. Under his leadership, Parx Casino has contributed more than $500,000 since 2015 to support student success.