The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Tampa Bay Chapter will present its 26th annual Gourmet Gents premier scholarship fundraiser from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Higgins Hall, 5225 N Himes Ave.
This event provides scholarships to young women in the Tampa Bay area who are pursuing a post-secondary education, and has a theme of "A Culinary Affair" featuring men that cook.
Last year, the event attracted more than 500 patrons who sampled the culinary skills of more than 125 Gents. Twelve women were awarded scholarships.
This year is no different.
More than 100 men from across the Tampa Bay area will cook their best dishes from chicken, to pork, beef, lamb, seafood, soul food, pasta, vegetables, cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, iced tea, fruit punch and more, and eight women will be awarded scholarships.
Scholarships are funded from sponsorships and ticket sales, which cost $50.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc is a nationwide, non-profit, volunteer organization based in Atlanta that aims to promote community service and leadership among African American women, and to encourage economic development and gender equity in areas of health, education and economic empowerment.
The organization which has a membership of 7,000 women in 25 states and the District of Columbia, was founded in 1981 to engage professional black women in a network to meet their career needs and facilitate their access to mainstream America.
Its Tampa Bay Chapter is a non-profit, voluntary organization that advocates for issues in the community that involve women of all ages.
It was founded in July of 1988 and incorporated on September 3, 1988 with a progressive group of women of diverse professional backgrounds whose voice and force for gender equality and socio-political advancement drives meaningful change to benefit Black Women.