NIECY NASH AND ANTHONY ANDERSON TO HOST THURGOOD MARSHALL AWARDS DINNER

[Stephan Bobb]

Niecy Nash and Anthony Anderson to Host Thurgood Marshall Awards Dinner

Event to feature special tribute to Dr. Dorothy I. Height and live performance by the Prairie View A&M University Chamber Singers

*The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the strongest voice for the 47 Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 6 Law schools across the nation, has announced that actors Niecy Nash and Anthony Anderson will host its 23rd Anniversary Awards Dinner on Monday, November 1, 2010 in the Metropolitan Ballroom of the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

Chaired by John F. Lundgren, President and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, the event is a continuing tradition that began more than 20 years ago in the name of civil rights activist and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

As the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s signature fundraising event, the annual Awards Dinner has, over the years, significantly advanced the organization’s mission while championing academic excellence and supporting students at public Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Highlights of the event will include a special tribute to the late Dr. Dorothy I. Height, the American administrator, educator, and social activist. Ms. Height was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for forty years, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. In addition, the renowned Prairie View A&M University Chamber Singers will perform.

“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is pleased to welcome Niecy Nash and Anthony Anderson as Hosts of our twenty-third anniversary Awards Dinner,” says Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., president & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund. “Their talents as performing artists, commitment to higher education and professional accomplishments are exemplary.”

“As a graduate of Howard University – a Historically Black University – I am proud to serve as Co-Host of this year’s TMCF Dinner,” comments Anthony Anderson. “The work of this organization literally transforms the lives of thousands of young African Americans while preparing future generations of leaders.”

“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s commitment to education and excellence is truly unparalleled,” says Niecy Nash. “I am absolutely thrilled to lend my name and support to this outstanding organization that is a benefit and service to us all.”

This year’s Awards Dinner will recognize the achievements of some of the nation’s foremost visionaries who promote diversity, leadership and community service. The 2010 Honorees include: Neil Golden, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, McDonald’s USA, LLC; Rhonda Mims, president, ING Foundation & senior vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs; Kenneth Wilcox, senior vice president of sales, LALA USA; and Dr. George C. Wright, president, Prairie View A&M University.

The 23rd Anniversary Awards Dinner concludes TMCF’s annual Anniversary Weekend, which also brings together more than 600 students from across the country for a Leadership Institute and Recruitment Conference. With over 100 corporations and government agencies participating, these students are provided an excellent opportunity to network with and learn from noted industry executives. The public is also encouraged to support TMCF; donations from $10 and up can be made to the organization by texting 50555 directly from your mobile device.

About Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash is the Host and Producer of the Style Network’s home makeover show, “Clean House,” which has become the network’s #1 rated program. For her work on the show, Ms. Nash won a 2010 Daytime Emmy Award and The American Women In Radio & Television honored her with the 2007 Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Program Host. In addition, Ms. Nash was a regular Celebrity Panelist on CBS’s “The Insider” and is currently a special correspondent on the #1 entertainment news show, “Entertainment Tonight.” She won America’s heart as a competitor on Season 10 of ABC’s hugely popular show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Ms. Nash is well-known for her role as no-nonsense Officer Raineesha Williams on the hilarious Comedy Central hit, “Reno 911,” She won a 2010 Gracie Award for her work on the show, which was so popular, it was spun-off into a feature film, “Reno 911: Miami,” in 2007. Ms. Nash also starred in her own FOX comedy series, “Do Not Disturb,” opposite Jerry O’Connell, in 2008.

Niecy Nash completed her education at California State University Dominguez Hills, where she majored in theater. She landed her first paid acting gig in a scene opposite Whoopi Goldberg in the feature film, “Boys On the Side.” Since then her film appearances have included Robert Altman’s “Cookie’s Fortune,” “The Bachelor” with Chris O’Donnell, and “Malibu’s Most Wanted.” She has also had featured roles in such films as “Guess Who,” and “Code Name: The Cleaner.” Her most recent film work includes “Not Easily Broken,” based on the best-selling book by Bishop T.D. Jakes, and the Walt Disney Pictures summer blockbuster release, “G-Force,” produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

A recipient of the 2007 National Woman in the Arts Award from the St. Louis Grand Center, Niecy Nash is the mother of three children and is also a spokesperson of Mothers Against Violence in Schools (M.A.V.I.S.). In her spare time, Ms. Nash is devoted to church and participating at charitable functions in support of causes that are close to her heart, including the prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, school violence, and domestic abuse, among others. Additionally, Ms. Nash is developing various television and film projects through her own production company, Chocolate Chick, Inc.

About Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson was most recently a member of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning drama “Law & Order.” Mr. Anderson played Detective Kevin Bernard opposite Jeremy Sisto as Detective Cyrus Lupo. Anthony Anderson has appeared in over 20 films, and his performance on “Law & Order” earned him his second consecutive NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for the 2008 season. Last year, he starred in the New Orleans-based drama “K-Ville” before joining “Law & Order.” He also displayed his bountiful talent in the DreamWorks’ blockbuster “Transformers,” directed by Michael Bay, as well as in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning feature, “The Departed,” alongside a stellar cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson.

Mr. Anderson first gained attention as one of Jim Carrey’s sons in “Me, Myself, and Irene,” and has subsequently appeared in such films as “Scary Movie 3,” “Barbershop,” “Kangaroo Jack,” “Exit Wounds,” “Cradle 2 the Grave,” “Two Can Play That Game,” and “Malibu’s Most Wanted.” He also starred opposite Eddie Griffin and Michael Imperioli in “My Baby’s Daddy,” opposite Frankie Muniz in “Agent Cody Banks 2″ and had a cameo in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.” Mr. Anderson brought his talent and humor to the small screen in his own WB sitcom “All About the Andersons” which was loosely based on his life. Mr. Anderson appeared in the police-drama television series, “The Shield,” opposite Michael Chiklis and Glenn Close.

Anthony Anderson grew up in Los Angeles. While pursuing his acting career, he continued his education by attending the High School for the Performing Arts, where he earned first place in the NAACP’s ACTSO Awards with his performance of the classic monologue from “The Great White Hope.” That performance, along with his dedication to his craft, earned him an arts scholarship to Howard University. Mr. Anderson currently lives in Los Angeles. He is married to his college sweetheart, and they have two children.

About the TMCF 23rd Anniversary Awards Dinner
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund 23rd Anniversary Awards Dinner: Developing Minds. Delivering Dreams., will take place on Monday, November 1, 2010, in the Metropolitan Ballroom of The Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City. Highlights of the evening include a pre-dinner reception with members of the Board of Directors, Sponsors and Friends, followed by a seated dinner with the Awards Ceremony and special live performances. The evening’s proceeds will benefit the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The success of this event will enable TMCF to continue its work as a critical link between deserving students having greater access to higher education and the opportunity to become a part of a new generation of leaders.

Individual tickets for the dinner are $1,000 for preferred seating; Friend tickets are available at $250 and Friend-level tables are $2,500. Additional sponsor information can also be found at www.ThurgoodMarshallFund.org.

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc., named for the late U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, was established in 1987 and represents 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 6 law schools located in 22 states and the US Virgin Islands with a population of over 235,000 students. Over the last 23 years, TMCF has awarded more than $100 million in leadership development, programmatic and capacity support, and scholarships enabling more than 12,000 students to attend public HBCUs. It is the only national organization of its type that provides merit-based scholarships and programmatic support to students attending the nation’s public HBCUs. TMCF also provides internship programs and joins corporate and foundation partners in providing leadership training and support to students preparing for undergraduate and professional schools. TMCF is a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization.