The City of Champions Raises More Than $750,000 to Support UNCF and HBCUs
A rare moment when the owners of Boston’s professional teams come together, and they did so to support UNCF. (l-r): Jonathan Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots; Wyc Grousbeck, owner of the Boston Celtics; honorees Dr. James and Clemmie Cash; Dr. Michael L. Lomax; UNCF president and CEO; and Linda and John Henry, owners of the Boston Red Sox.
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) hosted a successful “A Mind Is…”® New England Gala on March 9 raising more than $750,000—a record achievement—to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and to help advance educational and career opportunities for students of color.
Nearly 350 guests including business, community and civic leaders attended.
At the gala, UNCF New England presented the “Leadership Award” to John B. Hynes, III, founder and CEO, Boston Global Investors, for his commitment to developing spaces that are inclusive to all; the “Corporate Partner Award” to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, accepted by Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO, for its commitment to ensuring more talented minorities have a path to the life sciences industry; and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Clemmie and Dr. James Cash for their commitment to advancing Black educational and economic mobility.
WCVB Channel 5 “Chronicle” co-anchor, Shayna Seymour, an HBCU alumna from UNCF-member Spelman College, served as emcee for the evening’s program.
Special thanks to Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO, for being with us to provide remarks.