Actor Delroy Lindo, Indiana Pacer Coach Brian Shaw, the Glove Gary Payton, and Actor Mark Curry Honor Oakland Youth through EOYDC Scholarships

By Carla Thomas

  

Excited students, youth advocates and community leaders enjoyed EOYDC’s Pathway to College “Something For Everyone 7” fundraiser at the home of power couple Brian Shaw, the newly named head coach for the Indiana Pacers and celebrity chef Nikki Shaw. 

The summer sun shone brightly amidst the balcony of the manse in the hills for the afternoon of art, wine and music celebrating college bound students with scholarships and honoring celebrities like comedian Mark Curry, NBA star Gary Payton, Golden State forward Vladimir Radmanovic and sports agent Aaron Goodwin for their dedication to future leaders with the “Champion for Youth” award. 

Guests enjoyed poetry readings by EOYDC youth, a silent auction and the sounds of the Dong Ellington Jazz Quartet.

Brian Shaw & Mark Curry

“I give all the credit to Regina, she works hard every year all year and I’m excited about our inner city youth doing things and going to college,” said Nikki Shaw of Executive Director Regina Jackson who has worked tirelessly for the EOYDC for over 3 decades gave. 

 

During the reception over 30 financial scholarships were presented to college bound students.  While Jackson thanked all of her supporters, she recounted Payton’s first donation in previous years, in the generous amount of $100,000.  “Gary Payton is not just an NBA champion he is a champion for people and specifically for you.”

Pacer Coach Brian Shaw & Gary Payton

The Oakland favorite and sports hero Payton is based in Seattle, but remains active and committed to Oakland and the sanctuary the EOYDC provided when he was a kid.  The retiree who acknowledged his mother Annie, in the audience, says he‘s up for the Hall of Fame in January and wants to ensure future generations can pursue their dreams.  “I’ve been working on starting a charter school out here, like Kevin Johnson, and get these kids off the streets.  I have the OUSD and superintendent on board, so look for that in a couple of years,” he stated proudly with plan to collaborate with Shaw and Oaklander Jason Kidd who took home the of 2011 NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks. 

 

It was an emotional moment for all when Shaw announced the recent passing of Curry’s father as he spoke at the podium.  Shaw, who lost his own parents and sister in a car accident 19 years ago, embraced and consoled him.   The Shaws also use this time of year to turn a tragic memory into a powerful one, by hosting the annual fundraiser.  “This is the day before that accident, so it’s great to be able to turn this into a positive time,” he said.  “I believe we have to live every day to the fullest and put God first,” added his wife Nikki, the featured chef for the L.A. Lakers and NBA.com.

      Delroy Lindo & wife, Brian Shaw & wife

KRON TV 4 Broadcaster Pam Moore has participated in EOYDC’s summer program for over five years and created the EOYDC Pathway to College Pam Moore Scholarship in the amount of  (2) $2500 awards for deserving students for the next five years.   Payton decided to match her amount for six years.  

“I wanted to do something beyond the summer program because so many people helped me throughout my life and career and we all have to pass it on,” said Moore.   "EOYDC is an organization I truly believe in and Regina is an inspirational leader who loves these children.  She is committed."

KRON Anchor Pam Moore & Sha'Quea Pratt

“I’m really surprised and happy to have gotten the scholarship,” said, 

recipient Sha’Quea Pratt.

Nikki Shaw’s mother, Paula Welsh of Welsh Communications, Del Roy Lindo and wife Nashormeh, radio personality Miranda Wilson, celebrity publicist Suzanne Summerville of Lifted PR, Cheri Dove of Nordstrom, EOYDC board president Gerry Dove also supported the event.

Pathway to College was created to prepare students for a smooth, uncomplicated and informed transition into college life including academic counseling, college tours and free assistance with financial options provided for 8^th graders and up.  For more information check out:  www.eoydc.org

http://www.gregschineseschool.com

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