Due to the recent news of Hurricane Sandy arriving to the American East Coast and New York Region, The Thurgood Marshall College Fund 25th Anniversary Awards Gala in New York City, October 29, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel is cancelled

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Thurgood Marshall College Fund regrets to announce 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 will shut down public transportation beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday. Residents of the city's "Zone A" area are 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.

ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND:

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is named for the U.S. Supreme Court's first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. TMCF helps students with a clear intention and the motivation to succeed and acquire a high-quality college education at an affordable cost.  Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: www.ThurgoodMarshallCollegeFund.org.

For immediate media inquiries contact:
International Luxury Media www.internationalluxurymedia.com
Gina de Franco, CEO of International Luxury Media: [email protected] 424.653.4462

Journalists scheduled to join us on the Red Carpet contact:
Florence Wack-Welch: [email protected], 917.657.0611

SOURCE The Thurgood Marshall College Fund