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The Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials

EL ESPIRITU DE LA COMUNIDAD AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT SPONSORED BY OCEAN BANK HONORS MARVIN O'QUINN AND DR. PEDRO GREER, JR.

February 27, 2007 - Miami, Fla. (www.orangebowl.org) – Ocean Bank presents the Orange Bowl Foundation "El Espiritu de la Comunidad" Awards & Scholarship Benefit again this year at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla. Entering its third year, the signature Orange Bowl Foundation gala will take place March 23 in the hotel’s Country Club Ballroom Courtyard and Terrace. This year’s honorees are Marvin O’Quinn of Jackson Health System and Dr. Pedro Jose Greer, Jr. Event proceeds will benefit Florida International University’s First Generation Scholarships.

Marvin O’Quinn, president of the Public Health Trust (PHT) and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System, is being honored for his efforts and impact in the health services industry. Beginning his career as a hospital orderly some 25 years ago, O’Quinn has been dedicated to improving the quality of health care provided to the community. Currently, O’Quinn is responsible for a countywide network of healthcare services consisting of 10 neighborhood primary care centers and two mobile primary care vans, nine school-based health clinics, two long-term care nursing facilities, a series of community mental health centers, six clinics in the county’s correctional facilities, an outpatient diagnostic center, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, two community hospitals and the system’s centerpiece: the regional referral, tertiary care Jackson Memorial Hospital, the primary teaching hospital of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.

"Marvin is an exceptional man whose dedication to community reflects upon his work," said Jose A. Concepción, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Bank. "He’s really focused on serving all of Miami-Dade County, especially those areas that are growing rapidly."

Dr. Pedro Jose Greer, Jr. is Assistant Dean for the University of Miami School of Medicine and an accomplished author. His book "Waking up in America" is an autobiographical account of his early years, recounting stories from under the bridges in Miami to an invitation to the White House. It currently is being made into a movie with Andy Garcia. He has published more than 25 articles and book chapters ranging from digestive disorders to issues of policy and poverty in America and has been featured on network and cable television, even hosting segments for the Travel Channel, HBO’s documentary "AMERICANOS," and the PBS/BBC series "Medicine at the Crossroads." As a medical intern (1984) he founded the Camillus Health Concern, now serving more than 10,000 homeless patients annually. In addition to his role as dean, he serves as Medical Director of Mercy Mission Services, Medical Director of Saint John Bosco Clinic, and Chairman of the Bayside Endoscopy and Ambulatory Center at Mercy Hospital in Miami, where he practices Hepatology and Gastroenterology with his father. Greer has been an advisor to both the Clinton and Bush Sr. administrations and now is being honored for his commitment to the South Florida community and for his dedication to improving medical services for those without access to health care.

"'El Espiritu de la Comunidad’ Awards and Scholarship Benefit was created to honor those in South Florida who generate funds to support Hispanic high school students looking to go to college," said event co-chair Carlos Sabater. "Dr. Greer’s dedication and care fit naturally into our mission and it is an honor to recognize him for his efforts to bring quality health care to everyone in our community, irregardless of their socio-economic status."

Along with "El Espiritu de la Comunidad Awards," the gala event features a cocktail reception beginning at 7 p.m. preceding an exciting program, emceed by Elliot Rodriguez of CBS4. The event will include a buffet of elegant cuisine, great networking, and lots of dancing. For information on tickets, please contact the Orange Bowl Foundation at 305-341-4770.

"The Foundation, Orange Bowl Committee and Ocean Bank have the shared goal of enhancing the Foundation’s mission of giving back to our community. This event, through this year’s proceeds and proceeds from previous years, is making it possible for "first generation" students in Miami-Dade to attend college. With additional State funding from the University First Generation program, these proceeds will be match one-to-one expanding the benefits to FIU students," added event co-chair Sandy Gonzalez-Levy.

In its previous years, the Orange Bowl Foundation has honored several people in South Florida who have made an impact in the Hispanic Community, including former Florida Marlins third baseman Mike Lowell, retired Barry University President Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, former Miami City Manager Joe Arriola, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, FIU President Dr. Modesto "Mitch" Maidique, Miami-Dade Community College President Eduardo J. Padrón, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana President Eugenio Hernandez, the Latin Builders Association and Bacardi Corporation.

Ocean Bank is the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in Florida. Chartered in 1982, the bank operates a network of branches throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It has been recognized by several civic organizations for its charitable outreach into the South Florida community. Three times, 1995, 2000 and 2002, Ocean Bank received the "Top Hispanic Business-Community Involvement Award" from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for its work with the Dade County Public Schools and other projects. Each year, Ocean Bank also contributes to various organizations including the United Way, Liga Contra el Cancer, The Education Fund, March of Dimes, Camillus House and The United Negro College Fund among others.

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The Orange Bowl Foundation, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit organization created by the Orange Bowl Committee that manages and allocates grants, scholarships, and charitable contributions to deserving South Florida organizations on a quarterly basis. The Foundation's mission is to organize, sponsor, produce, promote and participate in educational opportunities, athletic contests, clinics, expositions and other similar programs and projects in order to enhance the lives of youth in South Florida communities. For additional information on the Orange Bowl Foundation contact Latoya Williams at (305) 341-4770 or lwilliams@orangebowl.org.