JI Group V-Force Raises Nearly $20,000 at 4th Annual Holiday Dreams Charity Reception to Benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of NYC

Online, December 13, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Nearly 200 New York City young professionals gathered on Friday, December 3rd, for the JI Group V-Force 4th Annual Holiday Dreams Charity Reception to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's (UCP/NYC) Santa Project at the Helen Mills Event Space. Proceeds from the nearly $20,000 raised for The Santa Project will provide families served by UCP/NYC with holiday gift cards to purchase gifts and special equipment that helps make their lives a little easier. The event was organized by a team of young professionals who are committed to giving back to the community through volunteerism with the JI Group V-Force (Volunteer Force). The event also recognized leaders in New York City who exemplify professional and civic excellence who use their time, education and talent toward the service of others.

This year we are proud to announce the following award recipients:

Star Award:
James Ihedigbo, Safety, New York Jets

Young Professional V-Force Award:
David Bruhowski, Co-Head, Investment Management Group, Deutsche Bank
Kara Lee, Co-Founder, Pierre Lee Group
Nkrumah Pierre, Co-Founder, Pierre Lee Group; Account Executive, The Execu|Search Group

"This year's honorees exemplify the spirit of giving that we strive to share through the work that the V-Force does all year long," remarks Calcie Cooper, Co-Founder, JI Group and President, V-Force. "They are all extremely dedicated individuals who have served as champions for causes and have gone above and beyond to serve the communities where we live and work."

"For the past four years, we have been able to provide families in need with a few holiday extras because of the JI Group V-Force's support of the Santa Project," said Edward R. Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, UCP/NYC. "The generosity of these young professionals allows us to make the holidays a bit brighter for those who would otherwise be unable to afford. We are thankful for their continued support."

"The dedicated V-Force volunteers are committed to making Holiday Dreams come true for the many children and families that the United Cerebral Palsy of NYC serves," said Nicole Wescott, Volunteer Coordinator, V-Force and event director.

The Honorary Chair of the event was Andrea Hoffman, marketing expert and Founder/CEO of Diversity Affluence™, a consultancy that specializes in helping brands, businesses and agencies market to affluent ethnic consumers.

Latoya Henry, non-profit marketing and public relations maven, hosted the event where guests enjoyed live performances by R&B artist Lawanda Michelle, R&B artist Aaron Camper and violinist, Brooke Alford. Additionally, attendees were treated to a silent auction, complimentary passed hors d' oeuvres, wine, and gift bags. New York City premier DJ Snatch provided the music.

Sponsors included Barbados Tourism Authority & Intimate Hotels of Barbados, Best Buy, BET, Chinatown Brasserie, Glaceau, Gotham Comedy Club, Jo Malone, K.Parris Catering, Karen's Body Beautiful, Lilliput, Ludwig Reimmer (Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch), Modell's, NY City Center, Oasis Day Spa, Opus Seven, Pop Chips, Singleblackmale.org, Staples, Sue Devitt, Suga on Top, Tekserve, Tracy Reese. Thefabempire.com, Threewaystotakeit.com, Tre Otto, Triple Crown Sports, Turn2 Foundation, Inc., and William Dubose Designs.

To make donations to Holiday Dreams to benefit the Santa Project go to: http://holidaydreamsdonations.eventbrite.com

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