SportsBall 30th Annual Black Tie & Sneakers Gala, By Audrey J. Bernard, Society Editor

Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,

The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health (AAIUH), a community-based health equity organization, hosted its SportsBall 2024, the 30th Annual Black Tie & Sneakers Gala, at the plush Pierre Hotel in Manhattan. The popular annual event in the sports, entertainment, community, and philanthropic circles attracted sports enthusiasts from all over to honor the memory of beloved tennis star Arthur Ashe. 
SportsBall 2024 championed the important work of AAIUH. The annual party with a purpose, honors Arthur Ashe’s powerful founding goal for the Institute: improved health equity, care, and education for America’s urban residents. 
A convivial cocktail reception and silent auction started things off, followed by an elaborate seated dinner and program. Cathleen Trigg-Jones, an Emmy-Award-winning journalist, producer, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and actress, guided the program with effortless aplomb. From the stage, Trigg-Jones was joined by Dr. Marilyn Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, and Brett Wright, Chairman of the board, to discuss the importance of the Institute’s work in health equity.
During the program, Dr. Fraser presented the distinguished Arthur Ashe Institute Leadership Awards to Thomas Halloran, Chief Executive Officer of Fidelis Care; Amir Bassiri, Medicaid Director on behalf of the New York State Department of Health Insurance Programs; and Dr. Jason Lazar, Vice Dean for Education and Chair of the Department of Medical Education at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. These coveted awards are presented to those who are living embodiments of Arthur Ashe’s legacy, dedicating their time, expertise, and influence to a cause greater than themselves. 
The honorees discussed their work and impact, their relationship with the Institute, and the power of collective work and partnerships between community organizations, government entities, and learning institutions.
After the awards presentation, Ms. Trigg-Jones introduced two Brooklyn entrepreneurs, Jerome Archer, owner of Platinum Cuts Inc. Barbershop and Elaine Richards, owner of Royal Ambiance Salon, who work with the Institute’s community outreach programs to promote health awareness and assistance to their clients. Ms. Trigg-Jones also introduced two alums of the Institute’s Health Science Academy (HSA): Roudjessie Charles, who graduated from HSA in 2017 and is now a manager at the Health Science Academy, and Dr. Joshua McHugh, a 2002 HSA graduate, who is now a physician. With these individuals, Ms. Trigg-Jones discussed the impact that the Institute’s initiatives have had on the Brooklyn community and how the Health Science Academy has influenced the career path of 30 cohorts of students.
Following the program, a representative of the United States Tennis Association awarded the association’s annual scholarship of $1,968—the year Arthur Ashe won the US Open—to two graduates of the Health Science Academy: Megan Vanzie, Class of 2023, who is majoring in Health Science on a Pre-Physical Therapy track at Howard University, and Kareem Bhaim, Class of 2024, who is enrolled in the Pre-Engineering program at Providence College.
Then the fun began with the evening’s auction hosted by Ottis Anderson, former running back for the New York Giants and a perfect auctioneer. Anderson was entertaining and kept things running smoothly. He had guests jumping out of their seats, bidding on lavish items with spontaneous humor.  The show was over and guests reconvened in the Cotillion room for a delectable dessert buffet, dancing, and games. Upon leaving each attendee received complimentary sneakers from Reebok, the evening’s official footwear provider, and additional treats from Clinique, Miss Jessie’s Natural Hair Products, LoMar Farms, and FitBiomics. Kudos once again to LeeAnn Hicks, executive producer of SportsBall Production, and her excellent team for another job well done!