Sickle Cell extravaganza a huge success

ST. PETERSBURG — Last month was National Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of St. Petersburg celebrated by commemorating their 43rd chapter anniversary at the Annual Sickle Cell Dinner and Jazz Extravaganza Sat., Sept. 19 at the Hilton in downtown St. Pete.

The crowd of nearly 300 feasted on a delicious dinner and danced the night away to the sounds of the TABUU band. The festive crowd was also entertained by a creative dance performed by Ericka Still to the music of FLAWS.

The St. Petersburg chapter also introduced the 2016-17 poster child eight-year-old Xavier McKinney, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Skip McKinney.  The crowd was excited about the giveaways, which included a weekend stay at the Hilton St. Petersburg.

All proceeds from the extravaganza will benefit client services and activities.  The evening was capped off by the chapter awarding a college scholarship to the Vaughn family whose son Henry attends Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

For more information regarding sickle cell or to schedule an educational presentation, please contact the office at (727) 896-2355.