Community College of Philadelphia Foundation celebrates community at 2025 Black & Gold Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

Community College of Philadelphia Foundation celebrates community at 2025 Black & Gold Gala
This year’s gala raised more than $635,000 to support student scholarships and support services

PHILADELPHIA – Last Thursday, the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation hosted the 2025 Black & Gold Gala at Vie by Cescaphe. The event was emceed by 6abc’s Rick Williams and Mayor Cherelle Parker served as honorary chair.

With 300 attendees, this year’s gala raised more than $635,000. Funds raised during the event directly support scholarships and support services for students at the College.

As the CCP Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the Black & Gold Gala has now raised more than $4 million since 2018 to support student scholarships and support services.

"Each year, the unwavering support shown at our Black & Gold Gala reaffirms the profound connection between this city and its community college,” said Interim College President Dr. Alycia Marshall. “I am deeply honored to serve a community that so wholeheartedly invests in the success and well-being of our students. This event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when educators, leaders, and neighbors come together in shared purpose. It was a privilege to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible and to honor the achievements of our students—both past and present—who are using their CCP education to drive meaningful change in Philadelphia and beyond.”

Platinum sponsors at this year’s Black & Gold Gala were Parx Casino and John Alchin and Hal Marryatt.

“The money raised at our gala directly supports the scholarships and support services that make a difference in the lives of CCP students,” said Tim Spreitzer, CCP Foundation president. “I can’t give enough thanks to my fellow Foundation Directors and the College’s Board of Trustees. Each year, they come together to demonstrate that the Black & Gold Gala is more than a fundraiser—it is a joyful celebration of our students and the community that lifts them up.”

In addition to raising funds for scholarships and support services, the Black & Gold Gala recognizes the outstanding service of individuals and organizations in the City of Philadelphia who demonstrate involvement in community growth in the areas of education, business, social services and health. This year’s honorees:

• Alumni Achievement Award: Fatima Abbas, director of the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs within the United States Department of Treasury, and CCP Class of 2005 graduate
• Community Hero Award: Susan Sherman, longtime nursing educator and advocate, and former president and CEO of the Independence Foundation (1996 to 2024)
• Corporate Leadership Award: Joe H. Tucker Jr., founder and CEO of Tucker Law Group, and president-elect of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting Community College of Philadelphia students can still make a one-time or monthly contribution by visiting foundation.ccp.edu/donate.

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About the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation
The Community College of Philadelphia Foundation exists solely to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of Community College of Philadelphia students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community. As its philanthropic fundraising arm, the Foundation supports the College's comprehensive mission by creating partnerships with individuals, businesses, organizations, and other foundations to raise private contributions in support of scholarships, programs, facilities, equipment, professional development, and greatest needs.