gala 2023

Community Hero Award
Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders
Change Our Future


Rodney McLeod, a native of Hyattsville, Maryland, is a distinguished NFL player known for his exceptional on-field performance and impactful community service. A standout football player at DeMatha Catholic High School, Rodney earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. His commitment to success extends beyond the football field, with a focus on making a positive difference off the field.

Together with his wife, Erika McLeod, Rodney established the Change Our Future Foundation in 2020. Committed to improving the lives of local youth, the foundation spearheads various education and enrichment initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and empower young individuals to become agents of change globally. The McLeods also host an annual free Youth Football Camp at DeMatha, emphasizing football fundamentals and life skill development in Rodney's hometown of Hyattsville, Maryland.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Rodney McLeod has actively participated in initiatives such as the Philadelphia Eagles social justice committee, the "End Philly Gun Violence" campaign, and the St. Louis Rams Salvation Army "Tree of Lights" campaign. He is a distinguished recipient of the NFLPA Alan Page Community (APC) Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an NFL player for exemplary community service in their team, city, and hometown.

Erika McLeod, a graduate of the University of Virginia, brings a unique professional background in clinical health and patient advocacy to the McLeod power duo. Despite facing a life-altering brain injury after graduation, Erika's resilience and determination have been inspirational. She is a passionate advocate for change in underserved communities, working towards equality in access to healthcare and education.

Erika's commitment to community empowerment led to the creation of the I "AM" Youth Leadership Summit in Philadelphia, targeting 10th and 11th-grade students. This summit bridges the gap between academics and personal development, empowering today's youth to step confidently into leadership roles. Her charismatic approach, natural leadership qualities, and dedication to health, education, and advocacy inspire individuals across all walks of life.

Together, Rodney and Erika McLeod embody a powerful force for positive change, using their influence to uplift communities and empower the next generation through education, advocacy, and awareness.

Alumni Achievement Award
Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN ‘95
CEO
MANNA


Sue, a 1995 graduate from Community College of Philadelphia, joined MANNA in 1999 as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). At MANNA, Sue has held several positions prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2012. Sue garnered national recognition in June 2013 when she co-authored a key study, “Examining Health Care Costs Among MANNA Clients and a Comparison Group” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. This research study examined the health care cost savings associated with MANNA’s model and has ongoing impact on nutrition policy nationwide.

Sue has presented MANNA’s work at conferences and meetings across the country. She has also testified in front of the United States Congress.

Sue is an Advisory Board member of the national Food Is Medicine Coalition and served as co-vice-chair from 2019-2022. In 2019 Sue was invited to join the Food Lab Accelerator at Google as a product owner for Food Is Medicine. Other accolades include, the 2015 Jefferson College of Population Health Education Hero Award, Comcast’s Newsmakers selection, the Cancer Treatment Center’s America Caregiver Women of the Week Award, and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award. In May 2022 Sue was the Keynote Speaker for the graduating ceremony for Jefferson College of Health Professionals and she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from Thomas Jefferson University.

Corporate Leadership Award
Dan K. Fitzpatrick
President
Citizens Bank


Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA, is President of Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region and a corporate finance executive with more than 30 years of experience. Dan Fitzpatrick is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and is a former chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its Executive Committee. Fitzpatrick is also a member of the Board of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development in Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center. Fitzpatrick serves as Chairman of Philadelphia Works, Inc., Philadelphia’s workforce development corporation. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CPA and a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dan and his wife Beth live in Philadelphia and have four adult children.

Legacy Award
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross


Lorina Marshall-Blake is the president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (the Foundation), a charitable, private foundation founded in 2011, and also the vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross (Independence).

In her role with the Foundation, she leads strategic, programmatic, and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of the community. Under her leadership, the Foundation has established itself as a collaborator, innovator, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in southeastern Pennsylvania.

As the vice president of community affairs, Marshall-Blake develops and manages relationships with community partners to advance Independence’s social mission efforts.

Marshall-Blake is passionate about giving back to the community. She is involved with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the former president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. She is also an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia.

Currently, she also serves on more than 25 non-profit boards and committees including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association — Corporate Responsibility Committee, The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Paradigm Award & Scholarship Committee, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia. Marshall-Blake also serves on Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions Executive Advisory Council and Rutgers School of Nursing — Camden Dean’s Leadership Circle. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice.

2024 Black & Gold Gala

Thursday, June 13, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Vie by Cescaphe
600 N. Broad Street | Philadelphia, PA 19130

The annual Black & Gold Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and one of greater Philadelphia’s premier social occasions.

We are pleased to announce that the Honorable Cherelle L. Parker, 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, will serve as the Gala's honorary chair.

The Black & Gold Gala is a reception-style affair filled with delicious food and drinks throughout the evening. Dance the night away with music from Renaissance Orchestra and DJ Touchtone. Valet parking will be available for all guests. Please dress to impress; formal attire is encouraged.

The purpose of the Black & Gold Gala is to recognize outstanding service of individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services, and health. This recognition is awarded to those who exemplify leadership and are active in community initiatives in Philadelphia.

Event proceeds will benefit scholarships for Community College of Philadelphia students. Since 2018, the Black & Gold Gala has raised over $2.5 million in scholarship support for students. Watch this video from last year's Gala to hear from scholarship students who have been impacted by Gala funds.

For information about sponsorships and this year's Gala, please contact Leslie Bluestone at lbluestone@ccp.edu. If you require an accommodation related to disability to participate in this event, please contact foundation@ccp.edu or 215-751-8042 as soon as possible to allow the College Foundation to make appropriate arrangements.

 

TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS


Tickets for current Community College of Philadelphia employees can be purchased here.

 

2024 Honorees

Sue Daugherty

Alumni Achievement Award

Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN ‘95
CEO,
MANNA

Read Bio

mcleods

Community Hero Award

Rodney and Erika McLeod
Founders,
Change Our Future

Read Bios

Dan K. Fitzpatrick

Corporate Leadership Award

Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA
President,
Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region

Read Bio

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake

Legacy Award

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN
President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Vice President of Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross

Read Bio

View past Gala honorees here.

 

Gala Committee

Honorable Cherelle L. Parker
Mayor of Philadelphia
Honorary Chair

Ronald Davis, M.Ed.
Parx Casino
Committee Chair

Donald Guy Generals, Ed.D.
CCP President

Ellyn Jo Waller, Ed.D.
Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
CCP Foundation President

_______________________

Susan Daugherty
MANNA

Romulo L. Diaz, Jr.
Turtle on Post LLC

Mia Fioravanti
Hilco Redevelopment Partners
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Amaris Hernandez
JP MorganChase
CCP Foundation Board of Directors


Andrea Lawful-Sanders
WURD Radio
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Tricia Maloney
FS Investments

 

Amy Mansky
MANNA

Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
Independence Blue Cross Foundation
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Alysea McDonald
Citizens Bank

Erika McLeod
Change Our Future

Rodney McLeod
Indianapolis Colts
Change Our Future
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Nedia Ralston
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Raymond Smeriglio
Comcast NBCUniversal
CCP Foundation Board of Directors


Michael D. Soileau
O3 World
CCP Board of Trustees
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Max Tuttleman
Tuttleman Foundation
CCP Foundation Board of Directors

Dr. Mellissia Zanjani, MS, MBA, CFRE
CCP Institutional Advancement

 

 

PLATINUM

John Alchin
& Hal Marryatt

sponsor

sponsor

GOLD

Julian and Lois Brodsky
Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation

 

 

SILVER

Neubauer Family Foundation

BRONZE

 

THE CHARITAS FOUNDATION

CITIZENS

COMCAST NBCUNIVERSAL

IMAGINE360

JEFFERSON

PENN MEDICINE

LINDA RICHARDSON AND STEVE KORMAN

 
     

PATRON

 

Aramark

 Peter and Terry Conn

Susan Daugherty and Megan Paszko

Day & Zimmerman

The Fleischner Family

Hamilton Family Foundation

The Honickman Family
Lynne, Harold, Margie and Jeff

Keystone First

Laborer's District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity

Philadelphia Foundation

Temple University

Trammell Crow Company

Ronald and Venus Williams

 

 

 

View 2023 Gala videos and photos to see the fun and excitment at last year's event.

Black & Gold Gala 2023 Video Recap

Thank You Video from Student Scholarship Recipients

 

Click the button below to view photos from the 2023 Gala.

photo gallery 2022

gala gallery

 

Community College of Philadelphia Foundation
1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 751-8042
foundation@ccp.edu
EIN 23-2612698

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