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 North and Central Florida and around the country?
UNCF Orlando is here to help you send a student to college and turn his or her life around. Our goal is to be able to provide every local student with the funds they need to support their college education and promote awareness of UNCF in the North and Central Florida markets.
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 University in Jacksonville, the oldest historically black college in Florida
- Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens
- Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach
Statewide Sponsors
Community Forum Workshop Dates:
Orlando – Fall 2024
Tampa – Spring 2024
Sarasota – Spring 2024
Jacksonville – Summer 2024
UNCF Interfaith and Education Initiative – All Year Round
UNCF and the interfaith community have invested in each other. Churches and other places of worship around the country have helped Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) keep their doors open and their dedication to education strong. And UNCF has reached out around the country to raise the funds their students need to become the next generation of ministers and church-supporting congregants.
Host a day of worship to support the UNCF Interfaith and Education Initiative this year! Contact Gwen.Hewitt@uncf.org.
Workplace Campaigns
Hillsborough County – January 22, 2024 – February 2, 2024
Volusia County – February 1 – 29, 2024
Volusia County Principal’s Breakfast – February 7, 2024
16th Annual Orlando Walk for Education and Community Festival raises over $90,000
16th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Education and Community Festival took place on Saturday, September 16th at Blue Jacket Park.
Together, the community achieved something truly remarkable. As of today, our event has raised over $90,000!
Our students, are beyond grateful for your generosity. The contributions will make a significant difference, lifting the weight off the shoulders of our students and their parents as they pursue their higher education. With your help, our students can now focus on their studies without the financial burden of tuition, room and board, and other college expenses.
The event was an overwhelming success, with over 400 attendees coming together to celebrate education and community. We were treated to a live stretch session with owner and trainer Damien Priester of House of Sweat, outstanding live performances by a UCF spoken word artist, Perform Orlando Arts Academy, Ladies of Destiny (L.O.D.), and RIF Elite Academy Dance Team. The music by DJ Millennium kept the energy high, and our hosts, JoJo O’Neal from Star 94.5 and Television Action News Anchor, Daralene Jones from WFTV, added a special touch to the event.
The day was filled with joy as families, friends, and even pets came together to enjoy the Kids’ Zone, the 360 photo booth, and the beautiful sunny weather.
We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Media Partners – Star 94.5 and TV27 Community Connection
Beverage Sponsor– Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
Presenting Sponsor – Enterprise Holdings
Sprinters’ Circle Sponsors – Oracle, Orlando Health, Regions Bank, Rhodes and Brito Architects, Bethune-Cookman University and First Horizon Bank
Doctorate Level Sponsors – Nascar, Select Medical, and Orlando Magic
Community Sponsors – UPS, Wells Fargo, Y.E.C. Event Management, Rosen Hotels and Resorts
Educator Level Sponsor – LPGA – Ladies Professional Golf Association
Friends of UNCF – John Ferguson, Ruffin Rhodes, and Psi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Honorary Level Sponsors – Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Universal Orlando Resorts, and Tayor Presha
Special thank you to all of our vendors, community leaders, and volunteers for your invaluable support.
The dedication to our cause, enthusiasm, and commitment to education equality have made a lasting impact.
Congratulations to the winners!
Largest Corporate Team – Orlando Health
Largest Community Team – Jack and Jill of America Inc. Orlando Chapter
Top Individual Fundraisers – John Ferguson and Britni Sheppard
Top Community Fundraiser – Orange County Alumnae – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Top Corporate Fundraiser – Wells Fargo
JOIN US NEXT YEAR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024!
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
