NAACP Honors Generous LA Billionaire Donald T. Sterling

The NAACP through its members and supporters is dedicated to the political, educational, social and economic equality of the rights for all people.  It is their mission to bring an end to racial hatred and discrimination.  Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the oldest and most recognized grass- roots-based civil rights organization in the world.  It has grown from a handful of dedicated people with a vision to make life better for all African Americans into 500,000 members and supporters throughout the United States and the world.  The NAACP is a premier advocate for civil rights and social and economic change in our world today.

This year the NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary.  This is slated to be the biggest fundraiser yet for its out- reach programs that include: Civic Development, Health, Education, Prison Rehabilitation, Criminal Justice, Legal Address Committee, Job Training, In-School classes, College Scholarship Grants for 12 high schools for under- privileged students as well as  Youth Foundation Grants given to 20 hand-picked charities.  New programs recently implemented are protecting underprivileged, especially women from predatory lending and those who are struggling with losing their homes or with heavy credit card debt.

To celebrate this monumental occasion, the organization chose to bestow its most coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to philanthropist, attorney and real estate developer Donald T. Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.  For years Sterling has supported numerous charities, and community organizations as well as national programs that offer help to the underprivileged. Sterling’s long time  dedication and involvement have gone a long way in making Los Angeles a better place for all to live and enjoy.  His loyalty to L.A. can be seen in his organization, the Donald T. Sterling Charitable Foundation which donates millions of dollars to charity and is building a real estate development in Downtown Los Angeles for homeless housing, rehabilitation and medical services.

ST: This is such a prestigious award; the NAACP’s 100th year anniversary.

DTS: The NAACP’s programs make a difference helping the underprivileged. Its new president, Leon Jenkins, an attorney is dedicated and committed to working with the NAACP.  I’m happy  and proud to support such an amazing organization.

ST: You know about everyone on earth…what a fabulous night with your family and friends.

DTS: You have no idea.  Everyone I know is very supportive of the work that the NAACP is doing.  I am grateful for this award and looking forward to helping them with their projects.  What is important here and what we have to keep in mind is the incredible ongoing work that the NAACP is accomplishing.  They are in need of financial resources and community support from everyone in order to reach their goals.

In addition to Sterling’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the gala will also present its noted 2009 Humanitarian of the Year Awards to Jona Goldrich, Stanley Black, Arthur Kassel and Stanley Diller.  Gene D. Block will be awarded the Foundations President’s Award; Carl Ballton receives the Corporate Responsibility Award; AJ Duffy the Education Award; Jacquie Stephens the Community Service Award and Minnie Hadley-Hempstead the Volunteer of the Year Award.

“This year is very special to us.  No other organization can claim the glory or the history of the NAACP,” states Leon Jenkins,  the president of the NAACP.  “What we have already accomplished is having been able to open the doors of opportunity to everyone who needs help.  We  happily honor Donald Sterling with our Lifetime Achievement Award.  Over the years, he has shown consistent support in helping those less fortunate find a better way of life.  Mr. Sterling is the only owner of any professional team in this city where any night of the week that his team the Clippers is playing on home court you can look up into the stands and be able to see one sometimes two thousand at risk and under- privileged kids cheering and enjoying the basketball game.  All of these kids have been invited by Mr. Sterling and for each of them this is something that otherwise they would never be able to experience.”

This year’s 100th Anniversary Gala was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, in Downtown Los Angeles. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Marvin Brown.  For further information on how you can support and become involved helping the NAACP with its ongoing programs

Visit: NAACPLosAngeles.org

By Suzanne Takowsky