FITZGERALDS CASINO SALUTES SMOKEY ROBINSON: Don H. Barden, owner, chairman and CEO of Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel/Las Vegas, welcomes legendary singer-song-writer Smokey Robinson to the third anniversary celebration of the casino. Robinson was honored at a VIP reception in recognition of his contributions during the casino anniversary festivities. The weekend celebration also featured the Don H. Barden Achievement Awards ceremony. Entertainment was provided by the Whispers, former Temptations lead singer Ali Woodson, blues guitarist-singer Tito Jackson and the Detroit group Serieux.Guests also enjoyed the Taste & Sounds of Soul showcasing Black restaurants. Barden, of Detroit, is the first Black to own a casino in Las Vegas. He also owns Fitzgeralds casinos in Tunica, MS; Blackhawk, CO, and the Majestic Star Casino in Gary, IN.

Passing The Torch: Legacy Ladies, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to empower communities and families, recently held their inaugural Torch Awards at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Pat Tobin (right), President of Tobin & Associates Public Relations as well as co-founder of the National Black Public Relations Society was one of this year’s recipients. Tobin is pictured with daughter Lauren, Director of Publicity at ABC Television, who attended the program as her special guest.

TORCH AWARDS: Legacy Ladies Inc. recently held their first annual Torch Awards at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. Award honorees at the black tie gala include (l-r) Bishop Award-winning actor Lou Gossett Jr.; veteran entertainer/pastor Della Reese; publicist Pat Tobin, president/founder of Tobin & Associates: and former Atlanta Mayor and UN Ambassador Andrew Young (not shown). Jacqueline Castillo, the group's mission is to continue the rich tradition of African American women who have empowered their communities and families, with an emphasis on children and young adults, through programming and initiatives.