The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) celebrated the 25th annual “A Mind Is…” Gala in Chicago, managing to raise more than $1 million for scholarships aimed at supporting students pursuing higher education.
Held at The Geraghty, the event returned to its original Black and White theme, creating an atmosphere filled with elegance from crisp white shirts and black tuxedos to dazzling sequined gowns.
Emcees for the night included Anita Blanton, a notable journalist and anchor of Good Day Chicago on FOX TV 32, alongside Trey White, a well-known nationally-syndicated radio personality from WGCI-FM.
Lisa Rollins, the UNCF Regional Development Director, expressed gratitude to supporters, revealing the evening’s fundraising total of $1,005,600. This substantial amount will play a crucial role in providing essential support for the students UNCF serves.
Sherina Edwards, the Gala Chair and an alumna of both Howard University and Spelman College, was instrumental in enhancing the event’s reach and impact, particularly during this milestone year.
The gala also featured video messages from Honorary Chairs, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered welcome remarks to an audience of over 500 guests, highlighting the importance of community support for education.
UNCF Chicago took the opportunity to honor extraordinary contributors, presenting Ariel Investments with the prestigious “A Mind Is…” Corporate Award. Meanwhile, Nadia Rawlinson, Co-owner and Operating Chair of The Chicago Sky, received the “A Mind Is…” Trailblazer Award.
During the ceremony, Rollins articulated the significance of recognizing these honorees, noting how their efforts align with UNCF’s mission to invest in better futures for students.
“Looking at the meaning behind our 81st year, these honorees uphold the mission of UNCF of investing in Better Futures through our students,” Rollins shared. “It is appropriate so that we proudly recognize them. They help make a difference in the lives of deserving students. We are so grateful for their level of support and to have them as best allies.”
An exciting live auction was held, with auctioneer Gee Scott leading a paddle raise. Exceptional items up for bid included a Timeless Tuscany Escape and a Private Island Retreat in Nicaragua, among others. These auction proceeds will directly benefit scholarships for students of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Attendees were moved by personal testimonials from graduates, including Jamal D. Chambers, who shared his experiences as a student from Spelman College and Morehouse College. Rollins noted that from the years 2022 to 2023, UNCF awarded a total of 541 scholarships to students in Illinois.
Gala Chair Sherina Edwards emphasized her commitment to supporting education, reflecting on her double alumni status at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“As an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Howard University and Spelman College, I feel honored to serve as the Gala Chair. It is such a worthy calling,” Edwards stated. “In these times of the new administration’s cuts to funding in education, schools and universities, I saw the necessity for we must work harder, dig deeper in our pockets to help the next generation of young people to get to college, to have resources while in college, and to graduate.”
The entertainment for the evening was provided by the R&B group After 7, which has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1987. The group performed iconic hits, including “Heat of the Moment,” “Ready or Not,” and “Can’t Stop.”
In conclusion, the UNCF event reinforced its iconic motto, revised to emphasize the importance of education: a mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.
For more information or to make a donation, interested parties can visit www.uncf.org/chicago or contact UNCF directly at 312-845-2200.
image source from：chicagodefender
