50th Birthday Bash Benefits HBCU Students
Members of The Immanuel Temple (The iT) gathered along with friends and family of the Rev. John F. White, II for a 50th birthday celebration and benefit for HBCU students on September 28. The event was held at the Crystal Ballroom at the Beach Place Resort on beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Some 200 attendees, attired in all white, joined the pastor of the South Florida congregation in a day party that supported White’s vision to give a $1,000 scholarship to five students attending an HBCU who are graduating this school year.
White, who turns 50 on October 5, announced the scholarship recipients at the party. They attend Tuskegee University and Turner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Pastor White and his father, Bishop John F. White’s alma maters; Edward Waters College, his father and mother, Ann M. White’s alma maters; Albany State University, his aunt’s alma mater; and Florida A&M University, his uncle’s alma mater and where White served as the pastor of St. Phillip AME Church in St. Phillip, Florida, and New Mt. Zion AME Church in Tallahassee, Florida, for nearly a decade. Pastor White also presented videos from the students as they shared what the scholarship meant to them and their future goals.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played a major role in my very existence,” said White. “I’m grateful for how my alma maters have molded me, and I’m committed to supporting HBCU students as they journey to their destinies.”
Generous local corporate sponsors and The Immanuel Temple Kingdom partners supported the event. Family and friends traveled from all over North America to be in attendance.
The menu featured White’s favorite South Florida-inspired fare, including conch fritters, crab cakes, shrimp skewers, and jerk chicken wings, prepared by an up-and-coming chef, who is a member of The iT. The benefit party music flashed back with an old-school vibe. Local mixer “She-J Hercules” played classic hip hop, R&B, and local South Florida favorites. Radio personality Tamara G, who attends The iT, served as the day’s emcee.
Based in Pembroke Pines, Florida, The iT is a ministry of the AME Church. White and his wife, the Rev. Maria Mallory White, are the pastor and co-pastor, respectively, of the 500-member congregation, where they have led the congregation in tithing over $500,000 back to the community since its founding in April 2012.
