UNCF Orlando
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in Northern Florida and around the country?
UNCF Orlando is here to help you send a student to college and turn his or her life around.
Regional Events
20th Annual Orlando Black History Month Luncheon Raises $78,000
AT&T’s Dan Pollack Addresses the Crowd
On Saturday, February 4th the Orlando office hosted the 20th Annual UNCF Orlando Mayors’ Black History Month Celebration. In recognition of the 20th anniversary, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued a proclamation declaring the day UNCF Day and promising the continued support of UNCF from Orange County government.
Three hundred attendees listened as past UNCF recipients , thanked the Orlando community for supporting UNCF and making their college education a reality , thus enabling them to enjoy current career success. Quibulah Graham, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Orlando Health Care Systems and UNCF Orlando Leadership Council member, and Dillard Alumnae spoke of the impact UNCF had on her achievements in the Health Care arena.
Past students spoke of their journeys , including moving from homelessness to a master’s degree, because of the support of UNCF. The event achieved its goal of $78,000 with an additional $9,765 being raised in the room. Retired Vice Admiral David Brewer was the Champion of Education and keynote speaker. He stressed the difference scholarships make in the graduation rates of minorities students, especially those attending HBCUs. Dr Lawrence Drake, Interim President of Bethune Cookman University spoke of the growing popularity of HBCUs and the rising student enrollment at Bethune Cookman University. And therefore, the urgent need for more funds to support our students.
UNCF Orlando provides support to local students in many ways, including:
- Local Community Forums 2021-22 students impacted: Over 300 students
- Publix Super Markets Charities Scholarship recipients 2021-22: 30 students
- Local students attending UNCF-member institutions: 235 students
Did you know? There are three UNCF-member institutions in Florida—among the state’s oldest higher education institutions:
- Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, the oldest historically black college in Florida
- Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens
- Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach
Why your support is important
I Am Your Dividend: Orlando-Area Student Kalese Justice Tells Her Story
“I am where I am today because of UNCF. UNCF’s support has reassured me that I am not only the product of my past, but the hope of my future.”
News
UNCF Jacksonville and Edward Waters University hosts Inaugural Mayor’s Masked Ball raising Vital Funds to Support HBCUs and Students
The inaugural Mayor’s Masked Ball supporting Edward Waters University was a smashing success, held at the Prime Osborn on Friday, March 18, 2022, and emceed by ActionNews Jax’s Courtney Cole. The event raised nearly $500,000 and featured various speakers, a presentation of the Champion of Education Award to Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, and entertainment by the Hamiltones.
Participants included Mayor Lenny Curry; Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., CEO and president, Edward Waters University; Maurice Jenkins, chief development officer, UNCF; and several other donors and supporters. One highlight of the evening was the impassioned speeches from Edward Waters University students Brianna Pendergrass and Davon Davis. >>>READ MORE
A little each payday adds up to a lot of student support. Join the thousands of employees and employers who are using workplace giving to make a difference.
CFC #10672
HBCUs Punch Above their Weight
The UNCF research report HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight makes a strong case for a powerful proposition: Given their small average size and a history of being under-resourced, the enrollment, degree and economic impacts of HBCUs on African Americans in their respective states are significantly greater than one would expect. >> Read More at UNCF.org/PATW.
“A Mind Is…”® Annual Giving Society
UNCF Orlando Staff
