White Linen Affair boosts mentoring program

More than 300 people came out to support the work of 100 Black Men of Las Vegas Inc. during the organization’s annual White Linen Affair fundraiser June 27 at the Suncoast.

Members of the group raise funds to provide mentoring to students, primarily at 100 Academy of Excellence, Wendell Williams Elementary School and Mackey Magnet Elementary School.

“It’s more than just a party,” said Eric Sykes, chairman of this year’s event. “It’s about giving back to the community so our young people can grow and make plans for their future.”

It was a classy evening with everyone dressed all in white. Tommie Busch of the Chicago Connection and other members attend every year. Busch said she admires what the group of men is doing to help young people. Her White Linen party outfit with ruffles all the way around from top to bottom was a showstopper.

Ricochet the disc jockey played the music that got the crowd to dance the night away under the stars. Line dancing on the beautiful stage with a winding staircase around the pool offered great ambience for the evening.

The centerpieces on white tablecloths were crystal vases of flowers with live goldfish. Beef and turkey carving stations, catfish, roasted chicken, meatballs, fruits and vegetables were offered to feed the cravings.

“What is most rewarding is when our kids graduate and they come home from college and visit and talk to the other students at our schools,” said Joe Jones, president of 100 Black Men of Las Vegas Inc. The Las Vegas chapter is 15 years old and expanding every year.

The group mentors children by taking them on field trips, arranging for motivational speakers and teaching life’s everyday lessons of respect and goal setting. The men have taken students on field trips to the Discovery Children’s Museum and to tour local colleges, among others.

100 Black Men also sponsors chess tournaments for students on Saturdays and provides free lunch. Any student from any school may participate in the Saturday program.

There is also a health and wellness component to the men’s work that educates students on healthful foods. The 100 Black Men partner with the 100 Black Women’s organization on various projects, such as a joint toy drive that benefits hundreds of students during the Christmas holiday.

The first chapter of 100 Black Men of America was formed in 1963 in New York, with baseball legend Jackie Robinson among the founding members.

Since its inception its 100-plus chapters with more than 10,000 members have made it their mission to improve the quality of educational opportunities of African-American youth, mainly through mentoring programs.

The national chapters of 100 Black Men have touched the lives of 250,000 youth worldwide since its formation and given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.