Jazz Gala hits high notes for OIC of South Florida

The sweet sound of jazz filled the evening at OIC of South Florida’s recent gala. Celebrating 15 years of service, the Oakland Parkbased nonprofit also known as the Opportunities Industrialization Center recognized its partners and accomplishments.

In the grand ballroom at the Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club in Hallandale Beach, jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and her quartet, accompanied by saxophonist Jon Saxx, set the tone for the night as guests bid on the “Notes of Change” silent auction items.

Newton Sanon, president and CEO, said OIC “helps people change their lives by promoting economic self-sufficiency through education, vocational skills training and jobs” which gives them and their families greater stability.

Quinton Washington was among the event’s honorees. The critical care paramedic received the OIC Distinguished Alumni Award for professional achievement.

Washington transitioned from time spent behind bars in the criminal justice system to

a career. He trained as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and has worked for American Ambulance Services for 10 years.

Charles Maymon, regional CEO for American Ambulance Services, accepted the award for OIC Distinguished Employer. He said the company plans to expand its role by granting 30 EMT scholarships to spark more careers.

Daniela Embrack, an OIC alumni, was awarded for her work as a youth leader in one of OIC’s cornerstone programs, Project PAUSE.

Christopher Dorsey, director of the Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble, took an OIC Golden Record award for the preservation of jazz and jazz Education.

Also honored was Mason Jackson, president and CEO of Career Source Broward. The agency gave the OIC its first contract. For a “distinguished partnership” throughout the years, Career Source Broward won the OIC Golden Record Award.

Board chairman W. George Allen has served the OIC for 13 years. He’s watched the nonprofit expand from a staff of three to more than 90 employees. Its annual budget has grown from $125,000 to $8 million.

Since 2001, OIC of South Florida has placed more than 7,000 residents into highdemand occupations. It serves about 5,000 youth annually. Its goal is to give everyone the opportunity to realize their full potential; to offer a hand up, not a hand out, organizers said.

“[OIC] helps people change their lives by promoting economic self-sufficiency through education, vocational skills training and jobs.” — Newton Sanon, president and CEO of OIC