On behalf of the San Francisco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. , le tme welcome you to this, our First Annual Beautillion, a celebration of the achievements of outstanding, deserving young black men. This celebration is a series of events (such as educational workshops, civic, social, and cultural activities) designed to stimulate young men toward continued growth and development. The culmination of the many activities over a period of months is their formal presentation to you, the leaders of the San Francisco Bay Area business, professional, and social community.

Though the concept of a Beautillion is new to the Bay Area, it is a cherished 35-year old tradition of many Jack & Jill chapters in cities throughout the nation. Jack & Jill itself has quite a history of service. The organization will celebrate its golden anniversary at a national convention in San Francisco this summer. During its 50 years as a non-profit organization dedicated to the interests of children, major contributions have been made to numerous organizations and foundations such as Research for Rheumatic Fever, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Mental Health for Children and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Funds raised during the Beautillion will continue this proud tradition of community commitment and contribution. The proceeds will go toward scholarships for the participants, as well as to the Jack and Jill Foundation, our national project. The Foundation in the 22 years since its inception has funded over $250,000 in projects which benefit community youth. Projects such as computer, math, reading workshops; tutorial programs; courses designed to enhance test-taking skills; saturday academies to improve school performance and improve SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores; etc.

The nine outstanding young men who are being presented tonight were recommended by their principals and/or academic counselors, and selected by the San Francisco chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc., based upon academic achievement; character; accomplishments in extracurricular areas such as drama, sports, speech, music, etc.; as well as community, church and school service.

Thanks to each of you for coming. Now, please sit back, relax and enjoy the evening as we, the San Francisco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America present this our First Annual Beautillion... in recognition of and as a challenge to the young black men of the Bay Area... "Design Yourself for Tomorrow... Develop Your Total Self."