The AAECF's Holiday Building Fundraiser & Awards Gala

Hosted by the Hotel Indigo Long Island – East End | An IHG Hotel

Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM for a spectacular evening of celebration, community, and giving back.

✨ Let’s come together to support the vital mission of the African American Educational and Cultural Festival, Inc., while honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public service and cultural advancement.

Enjoy an unforgettable night filled with:
🎶 Live Entertainment
🍽️ Elegant Dining
🏆 Award Presentations
💃 Dancing & Celebration
🎁 Special Surprises

This is more than just a gala—it's a night of gratitude, joy, and impact.

Let’s celebrate. Let’s uplift. Let’s make a difference—together. Cultural attire is welcomed and encouraged as we celebrate the rich diversity of our community.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Phil Andrews is the President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) LIAACC is New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., serving the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings. In 2019, the chamber was recognized as the Metro District Office of the United States Small Business Administration Small Business Champion. The chamber is in its fourth year of the campaign launched in 2019 to 'Retool, Refocus, and Rebuild' Black Business in New York State. The Metro District Office serves 14 counties in New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding area. In 2021, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. leadership was named to LIBN’s 2021 Most Powerful Long Island list during the pandemic, and its President Phil Andrews was inducted into Long Island Business News Hall of Fame in 2021. A permanent plaque was placed on the wall of the Zarb School of Business marking this prestigious honor. For the last two years, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has been a 'spoke' in the SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, and in August of the same year, LIAACC was named 'Spoke' of the Month by the United States Black Chambers, Inc. LIAACC is a participating organization in the Community Navigator Pilot Program which is funded in part through the United States Black Chamber’s grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. LIAACC's mission is to advance and promote economic development, advance responsive government and quality education for small businesses. to include the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Kings. In addition Phil Andrews is the Founding President of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. and the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc, and is a Board Member of the AAECF, Inc.

Deverne & The Vintagesoul is a premier live band delivering high-energy, soul-stirring performances!

Led by the charismatic Deverne, the group features seasoned vocalists and skilled musicians who bring a powerful blend of classic and contemporary hits to the stage. With a diverse repertoire that spans 1970s Motown and funk, 1980s and '90s R&B and rock, to today’s top Hip-Hop, Soul, Pop, and Jazz, this band caters to every musical taste and generation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hotel Indigo Long Island - East End, an IHG Hotel, New York 25, Riverhead, United States