Branded “A Mind Is…”® (AMI) Gala in recent years, it is one of the city’s signature fundraising and premier social events of the year.
The Black & White Ball, supported by a committed community of donors, corporations and event sponsors, will occur on Saturday, June 14, with a reception at 6 p.m.
Dinner and the program begin at 7 p.m. at THE GERAGHTY, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave., in Chicago. It was recently announced that UNCF is returning to a Black and White affair to honor its beginnings! The attire is formal, with guests wearing only black and/or white. Additionally, UNCF Chicago will recognize two extraordinary honorees, an individual and one corporate supporter: financial juggernaut Ariel Investments, “A Mind Is…” Corporate Award Honoree; Co-owner and Operating Chair, The Chicago Sky’s Nadia Rawlinson, “A Mind Is…” Trailblazer Award Recipient.
Nadia Rawlinson
“Looking into our 81st year, these honorees uphold the mission of UNCF of investing in Better Futures through our students,” said Lisa M. Rollins, Regional Development Director, UNCF. “It is appropriately so that we proudly recognize them for their tireless dedication, working to ensure that our students not only enter but graduate college. 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.”
The AMI fundraising goal this year is to raise $1 million for scholarships!
Gala Chair Sherina Edwards said, “As an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Howard University and Spelman College, I am so proud to serve as Chair of the 25th Annual UNCF Black & White Ball. Throughout its 81 years, UNCF-member schools have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, including mine. I am extremely dedicated to this cause and will work fervently to help the next generation of students, who are our future, attend college.”
The evening promises to be a purpose-filled night and a resounding voice for the Chicago community to join UNCF in supporting the call for equality in education.
It will also be a festive affair with music, dancing, and exquisite food fare. Entertainment will be provided by the R & B group “After 7.” The group was formed in 1987 by the older brothers of the songwriter and singer Babyface and originally consisted of Melvin and Kevon Edmonds, along with a third member, Keith Mitchell. They had a career of hits such as platinum-selling “Heat of the Moment,” “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop.” In 2019, Melvin Edmonds passed away; the present group members are Kevon Edmonds, Wil Robinson and Jeremy Keith.
From 2022 – 2023, UNCF awarded 541 scholarships to students in Illinois.
UNCF’s iconic motto, now revised, still rings true…a mind is a terrible thing to waste but a wonderful thing to invest in™.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.uncf.org/chicago or contact UNCF at 312-845-2200.
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