Prominent Broward leaders to honor history-making Florida attorney at charity golf open

Prominent Broward leaders to honor history-making Florida attorney at charity golf open

– Gerald A. Williams Legacy Foundation Charity Open set for October 20^th –

Submitted by Bernadette Morris

      FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Forty friends and colleagues from across South Florida have pledged their support to the inaugural Gerald A. Williams Legacy Foundation Charity Open. The charity open will unite leaders from the legal, academic, philanthropic, religious, corporate and civic communities for a memorable day of golf, recognition and fun! The scholarship fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at The President Country Club, 2300 Presidential Way, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Golfers will tee off at 8:30 a.m. on the club’s signature Eagle Golf Course, with an awards luncheon to follow. Contributions will benefit the Gerald A. Williams endowed scholarship funds established for aspiring high school and college students across Florida.

     “We are so honored to preserve Gerald’s outstanding legacy through this event,” said Yolanda Cash-Jackson, Becker & Poliakoff shareholder and Broward County co-chair for the tournament. “This will not just be a golf tournament, but a chance for all his colleagues across South Florida to support the worthy causes he stood for.”

     From being among the first African-American graduates of the University Of Florida College Of Law in 1975, to being the first African-American inductee into its prestigious Heritage of Leadership Recognition Society, Williams’ professional and civic commitment has been recognized across Florida.  As an entrepreneur, his law practice grew to the largest Black firm in South Florida and spurred him to co-find the Suncoast Chamber of Commerce, the first African-American controlled chamber in Palm Beach. He was also recognized as one of the top government attorneys by Florida Trend, and served as general counsel for the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association.

     “I would not be where I am in my career without a strong educational foundation,” remarked Commissioner Levoyd L. Williams, host committee member, Broward County co-chair for the event and Gerald’s brother. “It’s so important we support the next generation of deserving students, and Gerald’s outstanding 30-year career is the perfect model for them, balancing hard work with community service. I hope we all join the effort to empower Florida’s future.”

     Proceeds from the charity open will benefit the Gerald A. Williams Legacy Foundation and charitable endeavors in Florida that provide growth opportunities for aspiring young minds, including the Gerald A. Williams, Esq. Law Academy Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and the Gerald A. Williams Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. 

     Members of the charity open host committee from Broward include Mr. and Mrs. W. George Allen, Yolanda Cash-Jackson, James Hayes, Charles Morton, Mr. and Mrs. John Ruffin, Frank Scruggs and Commissioner Williams.

     Registration for the Gerald A. Williams Legacy Foundation Charity Open is $150 per player and $500 for a foursome (luncheon included). Tournament sponsors include AXA Equitable, Florida School Services, Inc., Schumacher Auto Group and Schoolhouse Consulting Group, Inc., Clear Channel Outdoor, H.T. Smith, P.A., Big Al’s BBQ Sauce, Capital City Consulting, LLC and Becker & Poliakoff. Tickets to the afternoon awards luncheon (does not include golf) are $50 and sponsorships are still available at various levels. For additional information about the charity open, please call (877) 252-2577, ext: 222, or visit the website at GAWLF4Charity.org.