New York, U.S.A. — On October 28, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund announced the cancelation of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25th Anniversary Awards Gala at the Hilton New York on Monday, October 29, 2012. This historic black-tie gala that was scheduled to be hosted by CeCe and BeBe Winans and feature a performance by Wyclef Jean will not take place due to the eminent evacuation of New York City caused by Hurricane Sandy. All the sponsors deeply regret this cancellation and continue to support the efforts of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City on Sunday, October 28, 2012, ordered the evacuation of 375,000 people from low-lying areas in New York City in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, signifying officials’ growing concern about the severity of the storm and its impact on the five boroughs.

The city shutdown public transportation beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday. Residents of the city’s “Zone A” area were ordered to leave by 7 p.m. Sunday. This area includes Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, Red Hook and other areas along the East River in Brooklyn; all of the Rockaways, Hamilton Beach and Broad Channel in Queens; nearly all of the coastal areas of Staten Island; some patches of the South Bronx; and Battery Park City and portions of Lower Manhattan. “This evacuation is mandatory – it is for your own safety,” Mr. Bloomberg said during a news conference at the city’s Office of Emergency Management in Brooklyn. “This is a serious and dangerous storm.”

“While we are disappointed we were forced to cancel our 25th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for tomorrow night, we are now 100% focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the 500 student/scholars who have traveled from across this country to New York City to learn how to become great future American leaders and to be introduced to great career opportunities with great American employers. Hurricane Sandy will not deter the Thurgood Marshall College Fund as we do our mission-critical work of helping these young people pursue their dreams,” said Johnny C. Taylor, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

TMCF thanks all guests, media outlets and celebrities who were planning to attend the event. The organization sends a special congratulation to the 2012 award recipients for their dedication and support. While TMCF regret having to take this action, the safety and well being of our students and guests must come first.

Image Courtesy of  Seher Sikandar for rehes creative [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

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