President Ammons Takes the Hot Seat to Raise Money for Scholarships

Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons' sense of humor will be tested next Thursday evening as a few of his closest friends and colleagues will good-naturedly 'roast' him with humorous quips and wisecracks for a good cause. Dr. Ammons is the honoree during Roast & Toast, the annual scholarship fundraiser for the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA- Capital Chapter) scheduled for July 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. (Silent auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.)

Roast & Toast, now in its 13th year, serves as the FPRA Capital Chapter's signature event and fundraiser. Money raised provides scholarships for public relations students at FAMU and Florida State University. "This year's Roast & Toast serves two purposes," said FPRA Capital Chapter President Heidi Otway, APR. "First, it gives this community an opportunity to honor Dr. Ammons for his work to provide a quality education for individuals matriculating at a historically black university, and second it raises scholarship dollars for students who are the future of the PR profession."

Otway, who is a 1992 graduate of FAMU also noted, "We get to have a little good-natured fun at his expense!" The lineup of roasters this year includes Dr. Frederick S. Humphries (past president of Florida A&M University), Ken Armstrong (CEO for United Way of the Big Bend), and Marjorie Turnbull (Florida A&M University Trustee) and the Honorable Alfred "Al" Lawson (State Senator).

Educational Excellence Defined: Dr. James H. Ammons, a Scholar & a Gentleman, is the theme for this collegiate-focused event that will include an elegant and sumptuous menu, live music by the FAMU Jazz Ensemble and performances by the world-renowned FAMU Marching "100." In addition, FPRA-Capital Chapter will acknowledge the 2010 Communicator of the Year. Attendees are encouraged to wear the "College Couture" of their alma maters or favorite colleges/universities-school spirit with an upscale twist. Doors open and the silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m.; dinner and program start at 7:30 p.m.

The 'roasting' tradition has become a popular way for the FPRA-Capital Chapter to recognize some of the city's most celebrated leaders. An illustrious list of previous roast-ees recognized by the FPRA Capital City chapter includes City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Leon County Sherriff Larry Campbell and Past Superintendent of Leon County Schools Bill Montford.

"Planning this event has been an absolute honor," said Cecka Rose Green, chairperson of the 2010 Roast & Toast, and a 1991 FAMU graduate. "This is the signature event and major fundraiser for the Capital Chapter. The silent auction and dinner program will be the best ever, due in large part to the unwavering support of our sponsors, roasters, FPRA members and the community, at-large. "You don't want to miss a minute of the fun and excitement!"

General tickets to the 2010 FPRA "Roast & Toast" are $75 ($50 for FPRA members). Private tables (seating for 8) are $1,000 ($500 for FPRA members). The ticket includes a buffet dinner and dessert, access to the silent auction, a cash bar, and a full evening of entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online through the Capital Chapter's website at http://fpra-capital.org/events/upcoming-events/?event_id=130.

Tickets will be mailed same day as purchase. Tickets purchased after July 16 can be picked up at the on-site registration desk on the evening of the event. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, July 21. (Tickets will not be sold on-site the evening of the event.)

To date, event sponsors are the Florida A&M University Foundation (Presenting Sponsor), FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (Printing Production and FAMU TV-20), the Tallahassee Democrat, Taproot Creative, TREW Media and WCTV Channel 6, Lamar Advertising and Bowman Promotional Specialties.

Roast & Toast is the largest annual event hosted by the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Tickets purchased for this event help the association reach their goal as they cultivate the future leaders of Leon County and the Big Bend area through student scholarships.

Questions about this event should be directed to Roast & Toast event chair Cecka Rose Green at (850) 570-8482, or (850) 488-4198 extension 1240, or ceckagreen@embarqmail.com.