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Rauner, Preckwinkle and Emanuel to chair UNCF Gala June 16

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is leveraging the power of three this year with its selection of honorary chairpersons for its annual signature event, “A Mind Is…” Gala Chicago.

And what a powerful three it is. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Toni Preckwinkle, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, will serve as honorary chairpersons for the annual signature event, being held Saturday, June 16, at 6:00 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive.

RONALD REDD HEADSHOT
Ronald V. Redd

“Having Gov. Bruce Rauner, President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Rahm Emanuel as honorary chairpersons is an incredible demonstration of how much our state, county and city cares about helping our students pursue a college education,” said Lisa Rollins, UNCF area development director, Chicago. “We are so grateful to have their participation this year,” she said.

The 18th annual “A Mind Is…” Gala is one of Chicago’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Supported by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it includes dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

DR. JANICE JACKSON
Dr. Janice Jackson

The program includes recognition of extraordinary individuals and organizations that support the work of UNCF. This year, Northern Trust will receive the Corporate Award; Dr. Janice Jackson, CEO, Chicago Public Schools, will receive the Community Award; and Ronald V. Redd, senior. vice president, BMO Harris Bank, will receive the Alumni Award.

Leon Rogers, co-host, 107.5 WGCI Chicago Morning Takeover, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Chicago’s premier band, The Gentlemen of Leisure, affectionately known as “the Gents,” will provide the musical entertainment. Attire for the evening is formal; white tie with a touch of gold.

The “A Mind Is…” Gala gets its name from the decades-old UNCF slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Gala donors and partners include Northern Trust, BMO Harris Bank, GCM Grosvenor, Allstate, US Bank, iHeartMedia Chicago, NBC5, Aramark, American Airlines, Peoples Gas, Wintrust, KPMG, Chicago Defender and ITW. For tickets and information, visit www.uncf.org/ami Chicago. For sponsorships or information, call 312-845-2200.

About UNCF

UNCF has been lighting the way to making college education available to minority students through scholarships for more than 70 years. During that time, the philanthropic organization raised more than $4.8 billion and helped more than 450,000 students earn college degrees.

UNCF’S mission is also to help strengthen its 37-member colleges and universities by advocating for both K-12 education and continuing to work for a strong federal investment in Pell Grants and other college aid for financially needy students.

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