2024 UNCF Mayor’s Luncheon – Columbus
In honor of the 80th anniversary of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), we are pleased to introduce the 12th annual Columbus Mayor’s Luncheon. This gathering will bring together more than 500 civic and business leaders, education professionals and guests from across Ohio, all with the common goal of lifting up our community.
The 2024 Mayor’s Luncheon offers vital financial support and raises awareness for UNCF’s mission. UNCF plays a crucial role in positively transforming lives by expanding access to a college education for students from underrepresented communities — serving as a gateway to fulfilling careers, active citizenship and a spirit of service.
Over the past 80 years, UNCF has successfully guided students, primarily from households earning less than $43,000 per year, through graduation. With $100 million dedicated to scholarships, these students can attend over 1,100 schools nationwide, including a notable network of 37 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This enables them to concentrate on their education without the burden of financial constraints.
Despite UNCF’s significant achievements, there is still much work to be done. We remain devoted to creating opportunities for more students from similar economic backgrounds to access higher education. As a valued member of our community, we invite you to join us in this noble mission. Your partnership and support represent an investment in cultivating a workforce of teachers, business leaders, attorneys and elected officials.
We express our gratitude for your steadfast support of UNCF, its students and the colleges it serves. Together, we will make a meaningful difference, steering all our children toward a brighter future.
Mayor Ginther
Dr. Marcus H. Burgess is the current interim president at Saint Augustine’s University. Most recently he served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University after holding the position of Associate Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts. Before his return to Claflin in 2019, Burgess served several institutions in a leadership capacity, including York Technical College in Rockhill, SC, as the Executive Director for Campaigns and Strategic Initiatives; Florida Memorial University, Miami Gardens, FL, as the Vice President for University Advancement; and Voorhees College as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
Burgess is a native of Cades, South Carolina. He is a 1996 graduate of Claflin University where he earned a BS in Elementary Education a 2000 Graduate of The Citadel, earning a MS in Education Administration and Supervision, and a 2020 graduate of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody School of Education earning a Doctorate of Education in Learning and Leadership in Organizations.
He is married to Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Benedict College. Together they have three children Marcus (Deuce), Mariana, and Tyler.
Networking/Registration
Luncheon Program
Presenting Partner – $25,000 (Tax Deductible amount: $24,200)
- Preferred VIP seating 16 guests (2 Tables)
- Corporate recognition with local media partner
- Corporate recognition during pre-event networking
- Corporate recognition on pre and post marketing materials and digital platforms
- Corporate recognition in event press release
- Corporate podium recognition Logo on event website
- Recognition in post event thank you materials and corporate recognition on eblast
Platinum Partner – $20,000 (Tax Deductible amount: $19,200)
- Preferred VIP seating for 16 guest (2 Tables)
- Corporate Recognition during pre-event networking
- Corporate recognition on pre and post marketing materials and digital platforms
- Corporate recognition in event press release
- Corporate podium recognition
- Logo on event website corporate recognition on eblast
- Recognition in post event thank you materials
Gold Partner – $10,000 (Tax Deductible amount: $9,600)
- Preferred VIP seating for 8 guests (1 Table)
- Corporate Recognition during pre-event networking
- Corporate recognition on digital platforms
- Recognition in post event thank you materials
Silver Partner – $5,000 (Tax Deductible amount: $4,600)
- Preferred VIP seating for 8 guests (1 Table)
- Corporate recognition on digital platforms
- Recognition in post event thank you materials
Bronze Partner – $3,500 (Tax Deductible amount: $3,100)
- Seating for 8 guests (1 Table)
- Corporate recognition on digital platforms
- Recognition in post event thank you materials
Books and Fees Partner – $1,500 (Tax Deductible amount: $1,100)
- Seating for 8 guests (1 Table)
- Recognition in post event thank you materials
