Menu

The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s Sportsball 2024

By Office of the President | Nov 18, 2024

The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health’s Sportsball 2024 was a successful and lively evening where guests gathered at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, formally attired in elegant evening wear paired with sneakers. This 30th Annual Black Tie & Sneakers Gala brought together supporters from sports, healthcare, and philanthropy to celebrate the vital work and legacy of the late tennis great Arthur Ashe.

Cathleen Trigg-Jones, Emmy-winning journalist and CEO of iWomanTV, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, lighting up the room with humor, characteristic humility, and a philanthropic focus, engaging the audience and kept things moving during the evening’s activities.

group photo

The night’s honorees are prominent healthcare and community service champions and included Thomas Halloran, President & CEO of Fidelis Care, Jason M. Lazar, M.D., Executive Vice Dean in Downstate’s College of Medicine, and Amir Bassiri, New York State’s Medicaid Director, who accepted the award on behalf of the New York State Health Insurance Program. Each was recognized for steadfast commitment to improving health, care, and effective healthcare systems, highlighting efforts in underserved communities.

Marilyn Fraser, M.D., CEO of the Arthur Ashe Institute, reflected on the Institute’s three-decade-long journey, from its inception just months before Arthur Ashe passed to its current role as a leader in urban health education. Along with Board Chair Brett Wright, Dr. Fraser moderated a “fireside chat” with the honorees, while Cathleen Trigg led a similar conversation with community partners and alumni.

Proud Brooklyn entrepreneurs Jerome Archer from Platinum Cuts Inc. Barbershop and Elaine Richards from Royal Ambiance Salon discussed their work with the Institute’s community health programs. They shared how their business locations have become go-to hubs for health education, sharing valuable health tips with their clients and becoming real health ambassadors right in their neighborhoods.

Alums from the Institute’s Health Science Academy (HSA), and Roudjessie Charles and Dr. Joshua McHugh, shared heartfelt moments of their journeys from HSA students to successful healthcare professionals, underscoring the powerful and positive impact the Institute has on the lives of those who wish to work in healthcare.

Representatives from the United States Tennis Association presented the annual Arthur Ashe scholarship of $1,968 to two standout HSA grads, Meagan Vanzie and Kareem Bhaim, currently enrolled at Howard University and Providence College, respectively, solidifying Ashe’s legacy and the lasting impact of his work.

Former New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson eagerly took to the live auction, turning up the heat as guests went head-to-head bidding for exclusive goodies—from luxury getaways to fine art—all to support the Institute’s health programs. At the end of the evening, guests received fun swag items, including custom Reebok sneakers, Clinique products, and treats from Miss Jessie’s Natural Hair Products, LoMar Farms, and FitBiomics.

Congratulations to Dr. Fraser, LeeAnn Hicks, and the Sportsball Production team on a successful event, and to my fellow Arthur Ashe Board members for creating an unforgettable evening of fun, philanthropy, and tribute to Arthur Ashe’s vision.