March 21, Riccardo’s Ballroom in Astoria hosted the G&B Foundations’ 15th Annual Awards and Scholarship Luncheon, honoring seven young people with college scholarships.
Awards were also given to Dr. Dottye J. Seales (Community Service Award), the Amsterdam News’ Penda C. Howell (Press Service Excellence in Media Award), James Alston (“Man of the Year” Lifetime Achievement Award), Ben Vereen (President’s Award), Bishop Andrea Vereen (Religious and Community Service Award), Ralph Nelson (Community Service Award), Karen D. Blanding (“Unsung Hero” Women of Excellence Award) and the Rev. Anita Burson (Religious Leader Award).
The master of ceremonies was Dominic Carter, CBS political analyst and author of “No Momma’s Boy,” and the keynote speaker was the Rev. Edward Mulraine, author of “Something to Battle With.” The special guest was Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference.
Musical selections were perform by the Renaissance E.M.S. Chorus, directed by Bervine Harris, executive director.