Jacksonville, FL, August 24, 2023 – Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy (LPFLA) is proud to announce its highly anticipated Second Annual Hall of Fame Gala, scheduled to take place on September 21, 2023, at the prestigious Florida Blue Conference Center located at 4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway. This glamorous event will be graced by the presence of distinguished athlete and our CEO, Lonnie Marts Jr., along with a remarkable lineup of friends and special guests.
The Hall of Fame Gala, hosted by Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy and emceed by Dawn Lopez, co-anchor of Action News This Morning and Action News Jax at Noon, and Darryl Willie, Dynamic Education Ambassador and Duval County School Board member, is a celebration of achievement, empowerment, and community impact. With its mission to inspire, educate, and empower future leaders through sports and education, the Academy has taken monumental strides since its inception. The Gala serves as a platform to recognize the work LPFLA has done in positively impacting the lives of young males from single parent homes and highlighting dynamic individuals who have exemplified excellence in their respective fields while also contributing to the betterment of their communities.
Lonnie Marts Jr., a name synonymous with integrity, leadership, and generosity, will be the centerpiece of this grand event. As a former professional athlete, Marts Jr. not only left an indelible mark in the world of sports but also dedicated himself to fostering positive change beyond the field. His commitment to mentoring, education, and community upliftment are at the core of Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy’s values.
"We are thrilled to host the Second Annual Hall of Fame Gala with Lonnie Marts Jr. & Friends. This event underscores our commitment to equipping young minds with the tools they need to succeed on and off the field," said Lonnie Marts, Founder and CEO of Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy. "Through collaboration and empowerment, we can truly make a difference in the lives of the next generation."
The evening promises an unforgettable experience filled with elegance, inspiration, and hope for a better Jacksonville. Attendees can expect captivating speeches, engaging panel discussions, and the opportunity to network with a diverse group of influencers, leaders, and change agents. The event will also feature a charity auction, the proceeds of which will directly support LPFLA's initiatives in promoting education and leadership development.
The Gala will have a VIP Hour from 5:30-6:30pm, followed by General Admission from 6:30-8:30pm.
The event will also feature prominent speakers including Keynote Speaker, Darnell Smith, Florida Blue’s market president for the North Florida region; Brian Sexton, "Voice of the Jaguars"; Todd Fordham, Mo Williams and Micah Ross, Former NFL Players, and more.
Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy invites media representatives, community leaders, and supporters to join this extraordinary celebration of achievement, resilience, and progress. For more information, ticketing details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit Hall of Fame Gala ticket site or email contact@leveltheplayingfieldla.org. For those interested, you can show your support as a featured Gala Sponsor or donate to the Silent Auction.
About Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy: Level the Playing Field Leadership Academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering male athletes of color, from single parent homes to become successful on and off the field. By providing mentorship, academic support, and character-building experiences, LPFLA aims to shape well-rounded individuals who will make a positive impact on their communities.