Columbus, OH (PRWEB) October 01, 2013
The Columbus office of UNCF (the United Negro College Fund), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, will step out for students, hosting its 30th annual UNCF Walk For Education on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Wolfe Park. The event is a celebration of education that will bring together an estimated 800 community supporters to raise vitally needed funds to help students get to and through college.
“More than ever, in today’s economy, students need a college education to compete and succeed. And we as a country need them to have that education,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO, UNCF. “By investing in our students now through events like the UNCF Walk For Education, we are providing them with a path to success that will pay future dividends for them, their families and communities, and for all of us.”
The year’s Walk is expected to raise $175,000, which will support students in Columbus.
Families, teachers and the community at large are invited to participate in the UNCF Walk For Education. Participants can walk, run or bike a 5k course through Wolfe Park. Participants are encouraged to form a Walk For Education team or register as individuals. UNCF is encouraging everyone to register early. Early registration is $25. Payment can be made by visiting http://www.uncf.org/ColumbusWalk.
Sponsors for this year’s walk include The American Electric Power Foundation, The Kroger Company, Pepsi, and UPS. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:45 a.m. and the Walk and timed run begins promptly at 8:00 a.m
“We want the Columbus metropolitan community to join us as we walk for education because education is the key to survival in this new economy,” said Natalie R. Coles, Area Development Director. “Everyone who believes that ‘A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste’® should come out, and inspire and empower our young people to secure their passports to opportunity and that is a college degree.”
For 70 years, UNCF has provided financial assistance to students and its 37 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Without UNCF’s support, many of the students attending these colleges would not have access to higher education or the benefits it provides. UNCF supports more than 60,000 students a year at more than 900 colleges and universities across America.
For more information on the UNCF 30th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Education or for sponsorship packages, please contact Elaine Davis at (614) 221-5309 or edavis(at)uncf(dot)org. Be certain to visit http://www.uncf.org/ColumbusWalk for more information and to register for this family friendly event.
About UNCF
UNCF—the United Negro College Fund—is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at http://www.UNCF.org.