BLACK PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF GREATER NY
HONORS  THEATER MARKETING AND PR PROFESSIONALS
IRENE GANDY,  MARCIA PENDLETON AND DONNA WALKER KUHNE
AT NYC OFFICE OF BURSON-MARSTELLER

Singer Freddie Jackson Offers Melodic Surprise To Honoree

New York, NY -- May 2004 --  Three of the most accomplished marketing and public relation professionals on today's performing arts scene  Irene Gandy, Marcia Pendleton and Donna Walker Kuhne  were recently honored  by the Black
Public Relations Society of Greater New York at the Manhattan headquarters of Burson Marsteller.  Moderated by Mike Millis former writer for Backstage Magazine,the three women were feted by a packed gathering of friends, family members and supporters including Harlem Arts Alliance Chairman Voza Rivers and AUDELCO representative Grace L. Jones.  The fine works of these women were highlighted during the evening filled with  commendations, flowers and citations  including a congratulatory message from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Wonderful congratulations  were offered from an array of clients of the honorees including WNYC Radio, the National Black Arts Festival, the Arts & Business Council, The Alvin Ailey American  Dance Theater and the Association of Theatrical Publicist and Managers. Several elected officials presented citations including the office of Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, U.S. Congressman Major R. Owens  and special presentation by Brooklyn City Councilmember Yvette Clarke who attended the event.  In addition, well-wishes were extended from the offices of New York Secretary of State Randy Daniels.  Valerie Simpson & Nick Ashford provided a beautiful bouquet of flowers for honoree Irene Gandy and actor Sean  Combs, currently starring on Broadway in "A Raisin In The Sun," offered congratulations via his press representative Andrea Ferguson of Dan Klores Communications.  The event was sponsored by www.MosaicaOnline.com  ,a forthcoming public relations diversity guide.

PHOTO: (Front Row) Honorees Irene Gandy (left) Donna Walker Kuhne (center) Marcia Pendleton (right) are honored at the "Pioneering Women In Theater" tribute hosted by the Black Public Relations Society of Greater New York.   Members of the BPRS-NY advisory / planning committees including (back row l-r) Mike Millis who served as moderator of the event, Gordon K .Balkcom, Mira Gandy (daughter of honoree Irene Gandy who flew in from Los Angeles),  BPRS-NY Chapter President Alicia Evans, Bernadette Lewis, Lynne Scott Jackson Renee Foster and Melvin Taylor (Camera shy Andrea Ferguson) congratulate the performing arts publicity and marketing professionals following the event.    The Black Public Relations Society of Greater New York was founded in 1989 as a way of offering a forum for professional development  and networking - primarily but not exclusively - among African-American public relations , public affairs, advertising and marketing professionals throughout the New York City - tri-state area. 

Photo Credit:  Gerald Peart