The annual Chicago UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala is moving online this year and is set for Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 6:00pm (CST). This annual event is one of Chicago’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Due to the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala has been reimagined as a digital experience packaging together an extraordinary virtual affair.
Hosted by Stefan Holt, anchor of NBC 5 with special guest host acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson, the event will include performances by Grammy-nominated singer Kenny Lattimore and Chicago’s own powerhouse singer Terisa Griffin. Gala Co-Chairmen include: NBA players Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (Dallas Mavericks) and Derrick Rose (New York Knicks). Honorary Co-Chairpersons include Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
This year’s honorees, who are being recognized for helping to advance educational opportunities for African-Americans, include Mary Spio, Founder and CEO of CEEK VR, Inc. receiving the “A Mind Is… Trailblazer Award” and Wintrust Financial receiving the “A Mind Is… Corporate Award.”
For 77 years, UNCF has supported hundreds of thousands of deserving students, private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advocated for minority higher education.
Current sponsors of the virtual gala include: ITW, Peoples Gas, BMO Harris Bank, Wintrust, US Bank, COMED, Allstate, Nicor Gas, American Airlines, CEEK VR Inc and NBC 5 Chicago.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit UNCF.org/AMIChicago. or contact the local Chicago UNCF office at (312) 845-2204. Follow this event on social media @UNCFChicago #UNCFChicago #UNCF.
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