2026 UNCF Walk for Education: Ignite the Night – South Florida
Walk for Education: Ignite the Night is a family-friendly evening community fundraising experience hosted by UNCF South Florida in partnership with the City of Miami Gardens. Held at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, the event brings together students, families, churches, schools, businesses, and community leaders to support scholarships and educational opportunity.
Guests will enjoy live music, student performances, community vendors, sponsor activations, family engagement activities, and an illuminated evening walk symbolizing hope, access, and opportunity for young people throughout South Florida.
Community Experience Opens
Vendors, Music and entertainment, Sponsor activations, Family engagement, Community resource tables
Opening Program
Welcome remarks, City acknowledgements, Community partners introduced
Remarks from Vice Mayor Robert Stephens III
Education and community empowerment message
UNCF Community Leadership & Education Impact Award Presentation
Recognition of Vice Mayor Stephens’ leadership and service
Student Spotlight and Scholarship Stories
Student testimonials, Youth performances
Live Entertainment and Cultural Experience
Walk for Education: Ignite the Night Begins
Illuminated/candlelight walk experience
Scholarship Giving Moment
Community call-to-action supporting students getting to and through college
Closing Celebration & Community Fellowship
Ignite Presenting Sponsor — $10,000
- Exclusive Presenting Sponsor designation
- Premier logo placement on all event marketing materials
- Executive speaking opportunity during program
- VIP seating and hospitality access
- Premium sponsor activation area
- Featured sponsor recognition throughout the event and social media campaign
Community Impact Sponsor — $7,500
- Prominent logo placement on event signage and materials
- Sponsor activation/vendor table
- VIP seating and networking access
- Recognition during scholarship giving moment
- Featured social media recognition
Glow Leader Sponsor — $5,000
- Logo placement on event signage
- Sponsor activation table
- Recognition during event announcements
- Social media recognition
- Opportunity to sponsor illuminated walk items
Education Champion Sponsor — $2,500
- Logo placement on select event signage
- Recognition during event
- Social media recognition
- Community visibility during event
Community Partner Sponsor — $1,500
- Recognition on sponsor signage
- Recognition on social media
- Supports scholarships and educational opportunity
Walk Supporter — $1,000
- Name/logo recognition on event materials
- Community visibility and recognition
Friend of Education Sponsor — $500
- Name listed on sponsor signage
- Community recognition during event
UNCF South Florida is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support Walk for Education: Ignite the Night on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex.
Volunteer opportunities include event setup, guest registration, sponsor and VIP hospitality, vendor assistance, photography, social media engagement, family activities, walk route coordination, scholarship giving support, stage/program assistance, and event breakdown.
Volunteers will play an important role in helping create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring community experience supporting scholarships and educational opportunities for students throughout South Florida.