Music Impresario Kenneth Gamble and wife Faatimah Gamble, philanthropists and founders of Universal Companies hosted their 5 th annual star-studded fashion show to benefit the Universal Pearls of Wisdom, From Boys to Men character building and social etiquette programs and Universal Audenried Culinary Academy at the University Audenried Charter High School, 3301 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA. The Benefit kicked-off the 25 th Anniversary Celebration of Universal Companies.

(L-R) Charmaine Matlock Turner President of Urban Affairs Coalition; Kenny Gamble; Retired Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco & Faatimah Gamble

To commemorate and highlight the on-going support from the corporate community of the two key programs – Pearls of
Wisdom and From Boys to Men; the Gambles presented Charmaine Matlock-Turner, President of Urban Affairs Coalition
and Attorney Robert L. Archie, partner of Duane Morris LLP with the Universal Community Service Award. “I
personally thank Bob and Charmaine for their generous support of my wife’s programs over the years. Their generosity is
immeasurable,” stated Kenny Gamble.

Gary Shepherd; Radio Personality, Mimi Brown; Rev. Louise Williams Bishop; Kenny Gamble, Radio Host, Patty Jackson & Derek Corbett of iHeart Media

“Universal Audenried Charter High School Culinary Arts Academy – (“Rocket Catering”) is a state-of- the-art
industry kitchen where Universal scholars develop their culinary and hospitality skills, earn industry-recognized
certifications and participate in competitions. One of five Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs Universal
Audenried offers, the Culinary Arts Academy provides scholars with training, supplemental program material, and
classroom visits from industry content and technique experts. Universal Scholars are also exposed to internships,
community service events and real-world work experience opportunities to enhance their classroom learning and
preparation for post-secondary education.

Councilman At-Large Derek Green; Faatimah Gamble, Fox 29’s Good Day Anchors, Alex Holley & Mike Jerrick

Ron Davis, Parx Casino Executive and Diane Davis

“An Evening of Style and Grace – School Daze Edition” Fashion Show benefit was under-written by the following:
PECO; Parx Casino; AmeriHealth Caritas; Comcast; Duane Morris LLP; Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc; IBEW
Local Union 98; Independence Blue Cross; Temple University; Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health; The
Gamble Foundation; Replica Creative; SugarHouse Casino; SUPRA and Delta-T Group, Inc.

Attorney Bernie Smalley & wife Jackie Smalley; Kenny Gamble; Marie Battle & Rudy Battle

Mike Jerrick Emceed the event, along with Alex Holley (Next up for Alex will be hosting the Hair of the Dog event January 20, 2018. Tickets on SALE NOW)

Appropriately titled, “An Evening of Style and Grace – School Days Edition”, the fashion show featured celebrity
models Sharrie Williams, News Anchor of 6 ABC; NBC 10’s News Anchor/Reporter, Rosemary Connors and
Investigative Reporter Harry Hairston; Philadelphia Tribune Features Editor, Shonda McClain; City Councilman At-
Large, Derek S. Green and Fox 29’s Good Day Anchors’ Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley, who modeled and emceed the
event along with industry leading professional models. The models donned the latest fashions of Main Line Designer,
Frank Agostino along with Les Richard Menswear, Philadelphia Eagles Malcolm Jenkins bow tie line and pieces designed
by the talented students of Drexel University Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.
Sharrie Williams, 6ABC
Councilman Derek Green 
Bumi Fernandez, Co-Creator of Odunde Festival

Shonda McClain, Lifestyle Editor, Philadelphia Tribune

PS I was intending to attend the event as I adore the Gambles and their mission, but at the last minute was booked to cover another event. Thanks to Devon M Allen, PR and Photographer: Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography & Digital Fuzzion Art for providing these photos and copy for an event I’ve always enjoyed covering.