UNCF Honors Floyd and Norma Young

In a very fitting toast to his parents,  Floyd and Norma Young, who were honored by UNCF in a Kennedy Center style Tribute, Keith Haywood and  more than 300 guests  lifted their glasses of champagne with cheers celebrating them as the “Eagle and the Dove.”

The “An Evening of Stars” Tribute to Floyd and Norma Young was held on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. All Honorary Co-Chairs, friends and family arrived for a special Gathering before the Tribute, and a very festive Reception followed with music by the Bill Cummings Trio.

In true Kennedy Center style, the Youngs were joined in the balcony of the Sarah Belk Gambrell Auditorium with family and friends, and received heartfelt tributes from Congressman Mel Watt, Attorney Kobi Kennedy-Brinson, President of the Girl Friends, Inc., Nathaniel Gholston, CEO of Gourmet Services, Dr. Gloria Scott, former President of Bennett College, and Fred Farmachella, Senior Vice President, Sodexo.  Mayor Anthony Foxx, presented a personal tribute to the Youngs, proclaimed January 28th, UNCF Day in Charlotte, and along with County Commission Chair, Jennifer Roberts they presented City and County proclamations. On behalf of Governor Bev Perdue, Budd Berro and David Belton presented the coveted Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Drs. Ronald L. Carter, President of Johnson C. Smith University, and Jimmy R. Jenkins, President of Livingstone College, brought greetings and paid tribute to the Youngs who also provides the food service for some 2000 students at their institutions through their successful FDY, Inc. food service company. 

Norman Mitchell, the UNCF Leadership Council Chair, recognized the sponsors for the Tribute, lead by Sysco Foods, FDY, Inc, and HMS Hosts, Food Lion, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, the  C. Ray and Cynthia Kennedy Foundation, PJJD Enterprises,  and Bojangles’. Ken Koontz of WENSTV prepared a memorable video tribute that also featured many friends and family of the Youngs.

“I do not know any people more humble and generous than Floyd and Norma Young,”  said Carlenia Ivory, Chairperson of the event. “When I was  a student at JCSU, they  graciously provided my meal ticket for all four years and I am forever indebted to them.” She joined Kneisha Gabriel, a freshman Management Retail major at JCSU, and a UNCF scholarship recipient for the UNCF “Tree of Knowledge” appeal.