N'Digo Foundation to Honor Six Stellar Individuals at June 20, 2009 Gala

N'Digo Foundation to Honor Six Stellar Individuals at June 20, 2009 Gala

Black-Tie Evening Features A Live Concert By Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

N'Digo Magazine Celebrates 20 year Anniversary

CHICAGO, May 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The N'Digo Foundation will host their annual black-tie Gala which raises funds for college scholarships and honors stellar individuals who have excelled in their careers on Saturday, June 20th at the new UIC Forum (725 W Roosevelt Rd). The N'Digo Foundation Gala regularly attracts a star-studded who's who from business, corporate, civic, education and government communities. This is one of Chicago's most outstanding events and kicks off Chicago's summer social scenes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090513/CG15583)

This year's affair themed, "Fade to White: A Carnivale Experience," will be highlighted by a live concert performance by the legendary Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, who are known far and wide as one of the best live shows in R&B. They will deliver an exclusive concert performance for N'Digo Foundation Gala attendees. Maze has enjoyed sold out audiences from coast to coast. For nearly thirty years they have been regarded as one of the most influential groups in modern history. Their sound is distinctive, passionate, creative, original and soulful.

A highlight of the N'Digo Gala is the recognition of six accomplished individuals who have made a positive impact in the community and the world. In recognition of their professional and personal achievements and career contributions, the 2009 N'Digo Foundation will honor:

   --  Jim Reynolds, president /co-founder of Loop Capitol Markets   --  Connie Lindsey, executive vice president at The Northern Trust Company   --  Julieanna L. Richardson, founder and executive director of The       HistoryMakers   --  Dr. Rick Kittles, co-founder and Scientific Director of African       Ancestry, Inc   --  Herb Kent, urban radio pioneer, V103    --  Earl Stafford, founder of UNITECH and host of the People's Inaugural       Gala    

The 2009 N'Digo gala is being chaired by Mr. James H. and Doris Lowry, of Boston Consulting Group. N'Digo's publisher Hermene Hartman and Rev. Al Sharpton are the evening's MC's.

This year is also special because it is the 20th Anniversary of N'Digo Magapaper. With more than 500,000 readers each issue, N'Digo magapaper is the largest circulated alternative weekly in Chicago and the No.1 urbane weekly newspaper in the country. Publisher Hermene Hartman who started N'Digo in 1989 is recognized as a distinguished media pioneer and is one of a few African American women in publishing.

The foundation gala will continue its tradition of presenting merit-based college scholarships to students in partnership with numerous colleges and universities, corporations, foundations, community organizations and generous individuals. The best and brightest students from the Chicagoland area will be presented on stage and announced their scholarships. The N'Digo Foundation has awarded over 200 scholarships since its inception.

The N'Digo Gala ends with a much anticipated "after party" which combines an upscale, private club experience with a flair of excitement. The "after party" will feature one of the most important pioneers of Chicago's house music scene and internationally known DJ Steve "Silk" Hurley. Grammy nominated DJ Steve "Silk" Hurley will burn up the turntables past midnight.

N'Digo Gala tickets are $300 each, and entitle guests to a lavish cocktail reception and grand buffet beginning at 6 p.m.; awards and scholarship program at 8 p.m.; concert performance by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly at 9:15 p.m.; and after party immediately following the program.

Tickets for the Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly concert only are $100 each. To purchase Gala and concert tickets, call (312) 321-2800 or visit www.ndigo.com.

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Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090513/CG15583
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: N'Digo Foundation

CONTACT: Dionne Williams, +1-312-225-8705, for N'Digo

Web Site: http://www.ndigo.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment