The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) will present its inaugural awards gala and fundraising dinner. Set for Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m. at the Rezek Centre (on St. Bernardine Medical Center Campus) located at 2101 N. Waterman Ave in San Bernardino.

The entertainment will be provided by jazz sensation Mark Allen Felton aka Panther.

The SCBCC is a non-profit business organization with a mission to improve the economic environment for the minority business community while fostering business development and prosperity.  The SCBCC also supports the Alzheimer’s Foundation, which provides resources, training and support for individuals and families affected by the disease, and YouthBuild Charter School of California, a free project-based charter high school rooted in social justice and community action for students aged 16-24, who need to earn a high school diploma. YouthBuild’s main focus is providing opportunities to low income and marginalized students.

The goal of the gala is to raise money to support the non-profit programs that the SCBCC serves and recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated dedicated service to the community through professional, personal and philanthropic endeavors.

Awards include Community Support, Community Advocate, Business Advocate, and the Humanitarian of the Year.

Entertaining the gala crowd will be Mark Allen Felton. Felton, who is affectionately known as Panther, is an entertainer extraordinaire. The saxophone is his instrument of choice. His musicianship is the stuff of the legendary artists that he holds in high esteem. Artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Grover Washington, Jr. and Kool & the Gang have influenced the Chicago transplant. Panther has graced the stage with a number of legendary artists including Patti LaBelle, Jeffrey Osbourne, Chaka Khan and the late Al Jarreau. He also toured the world with Ray Parker, Jr for five years.

For additional information on the Southern California Black Chamber Awards Dinner and to purchase tickets visit www.blackchamberofcommerce.org or call (888) 466-7408. Ticket prices are $25.00 per person, and a table of 10 is $250.00.