UNCF Raises $100,000 for Inaugural New York 5K Walk/Run for Education
New York, New York (PRWEB) September 21, 2016 -- New Yorkers laced up for a purpose at the inaugural New York Walk/Run for Education Sept. 10. More than 300 community supporters came together on Roosevelt Island for this celebration of education raising $100,000 for deserving students and UNCF’s member institutions. To cap off the event and drive awareness of the mission of increasing access to and successful achievement within the higher education system, the Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer proclaimed Sept. 10 “UNCF Appreciation Day.”
New York State Sen. Kevin S. Parker served as grand marshal and raised close to $3,000 by forming Team Parker. HOT 97’s Lisa Evers and Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS hosted the fundraising event with a special appearance by Rotimi, an actor on Starz’s network show, "Power."
"I was humbled to serve as the Grand Marshall for UNCF’s 2016 New York 5K Walk/Run for Education," said Sen. Kevin S. Parker, "I applaud UNCF for its vision to create an event that promotes both health and wellness, and most importantly, supports our children’s ability to succeed and realize their dreams. Education is a major priority on my agenda in the state senate as I work to expand access and eliminate financial barriers to higher education for deserving students across New York State. Team Parker is proud to support UNCF in ensuring that more students from communities of color not only have the opportunity to go to college, but that they can also afford the investment."
"It was a pleasure being involved in UNCF New York walk/run in benefit of providing education to people of color, said Rotimi, "As an entertainer, it is not a necessity to graduate from college, however, for me it was important to get my degree from Northwestern University. UNCF has my support -- as they have long been a beacon of hope for young people of color faced with the challenging decision of how to pay for college. Keep up the great work!"
Community supporters enjoyed the day in the sun that included Zumba instruction, health awareness, college and financial aid information and much more. The event was made possible by supporting sponsors Delta Air Lines, Investors Bank, Time Warner, Whole Foods, Emmis Communications, Cumulus Communications and The New York Amsterdam News.
UNCF has been changing lives for generations by enabling more than 430,000 students to graduate from college since it was founded. Last academic year, thanks to the commitment of UNCF stakeholders and sponsors, New York students received more than $3.8 million in scholarships.
To stay up-to-date on the New York area office of UNCF, please visit UNCF.org/NewYork.
###
About UNCF
UNCF (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 and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and 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 more than 1,100 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 UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
Cynetra Mcmillian, UNCF, http://www.uncf.org, +1 (202) 854.0007, [email protected]
Share this article