Black Chamber to host Black Tie Gala
The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin is beginning the year with a formal affair as it celebrates the third annual Black Tie Gala 7 p.m. Saturday at the MCM Grandé Hotel FunDome.
Around 150 to 200 people are expected to attend the event, which will benefit the Odessa Black Chamber of Commerce Charitable Fund.
“It gives people at the beginning of the year with something new and different,” Chamber President Odel Crawford said. “They’re going to meet people have a good time and enjoy themselves.”
The evening will feature dinner, dancing and recognition of community leaders. Mary’s Fashions will present a fashion show, and Jazz Café will provide the music for the night.
“It’s a wonderful way to bring the community together in a fellowship and social setting, so that we can just get to know each other and start the year off right and look at our goals,” Dinah Ward, a board member, said.
The Black Tie Gala also kicks off the chamber’s year-long theme of “making a difference in the lives of others,” which is an important task in making a stronger community, Crawford said.
“It’s not just about me or you; it’s about others and what we do to make the lives of others better,” Crawford said. “All of us ought to be willing to try to make a difference with those we come in contact.”
In addition to the gala and the Ebony Bar Awards Banquet in the fall, the chamber gives scholarships to graduating high school seniors and conducts workshops for small businesses.
“The black chamber just tries to touch every sector in the community with any kind of help. They are a great information source, as well as being an arm of the community to direct people to the sources that they need,” Ward said.
