Ron Hasson
Karen Slade
Aundrae Russell
Holman United Methodist Church’s Annual Fall Fundraising Gala, ‘A Season of Thanksgiving,’ will honor Ron Hasson, President of the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch of the NAACP, and Karen Slade, 102.3 KJLH Radio Station General Manager on Thursday, October 27, at the Omni Hotel located at 251 South Olive in downtown Los Angeles.
Aundrae Russell, host of KJLH’s Sunday radio broadcast, ‘Spread the Word,’ will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s festivities. The event will begin at 6:00pm with a silent auction and featured vocalist Greg Walker.
“Leadership is at a premium during these challenging times,” said Dr. Reverend Henry L. Masters. “When the committee was looking for honorees – the list of community leaders that continue to make a difference, Karen Slade and Ron Hasson stood out.”
Hasson has been with the Beverly Hills/Hollywood branch of the NAACP for 15 years – 12 as president. In addition to being president, he has been southwest area director, which encompasses 12 branches throughout Los Angeles County. Also, he served as chair for the state conference branch development, which oversees all 52 branches in California. During his tenure, the California branches of NAACP hosted the 102nd NAACP National Convention, in Los Angeles.
Hasson is involved in several Los Angeles County NAACP Branch programs, ranging from redistricting, health, veteran’s issues, stay-in-school/back-to-school programs, and educational programs dealing with charter schools and housing. Hasson also works with the NAACP Image Awards, overseeing the production of nine shows.
For 20 years, Karen Slade has been the ‘behind-the-scenes’ force for 102.3 FM KJLH Radio, the only African American-owned station in Los Angeles. She synthesizes the programming, sales, financial reporting and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Using sheer business savvy, Slade has increased KJLH’s market share and ultimately, its net worth.
As a broadcast professional, Slade is committed to the true essence of broadcasting: serving the public good. Under her tenure, the station has been awarded a Peabody Award, and NAACP Image Award.
Holman’s Fall Fundraising Gala Master of Ceremonies Aundrae Russell is the host and producer of ‘Spread the Word,’ Los Angeles’ #1 radio show on Sundays on 102.3 KJLH. Russell co-created the popular gospel radio show over a decade ago with KJLH owner Stevie Wonder.
Russell has been in broadcasting for over 25 years. His career includes working as a television sportscaster/news anchor, radio programmer, and D.J. Currently, he is the Program Director, Music Director, and On-Air Personality at KJLH. He has been selected as Radio Program Director of the Year and most recently, as Gospel DJ of the Year, for the second time. Serving as the half-time voice and Music Coordinator for the Los Angeles Lakers for nine years, he has received two NBA Championship rings.
The evening’s entertainment will begin and end with Greg Walker, one of the most respected vocalists in the business. Inspired by musical masters and song stylists such as Nat ‘King’ Cole, Johnny Hartman, Sarah Vaughn, and Sam Cooke, Walker is equally comfortable with the composition and delivery of Adult Contemporary, Jazz, R&B, and Gospel.
Rev. Masters and the Holman Family invite everyone to join in this evening of entertainment and the commemoration of community leadership. Tickets for Holman’s Season of Thanksgiving Fall Gala are available at Holman’s office, located at 3320 West Adams, Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Advertising space is also available in the program booklet. Proceeds from the Gala will support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Africa University in Zimbabwe.
For information, visit holmanumc.com, email [email protected] or call the church office at (323) 731-7285.
