United Negro College Fund Raises Record $14.1 Million During Annual An Evening Of Stars Television Special

The College Fund (UNCF)
Monday, 11 February 2002

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) kicked off the new year with its annual fundraising gala, An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence, which aired on 72 television stations representing every major market and raised a record 14.1 million in cash, pledges, and other contributions.

An Evening of Stars, which aired the weekend of January 5th and was hosted by Lou Rawls, Debbie Allen, Yolanda Adams, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, showcased electrifying performances by Destiny's Child, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Boyz II Men, Tyrese, Chante Moore, Donnie McClurkin, Boney James and Yolanda Adams.

"It was touching to see Americans open their hearts, even in these difficult times, to help talented, bright, and deserving young people gain a college education," said William H. Gray, III, president and chief executive officer of UNCF. "For every dollar UNCF collects in donations, more than 85 cents goes directly to supporting the college ambitions of needy young people. Today there are more than 65,000 students who depend on our support so that they can attend UNCF colleges and graduate schools. I would like to thank our wonderful supporters, celebrity hosts, performers, corporate sponsors and television stations for making this achievement possible."

The television special offered an in-depth view of UNCF's mission to provide opportunities for deserving students to fulfill their dream of a college education. The program also provided a series of compelling portraits and personal testimonials highlighting the many success stories of the organizations students, alumni, and member colleges and universities.

Viewer ship for the program increased in several key markets, including New York, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and the show was broadcasted by ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, and UPN network affiliates. In addition, it was aired on BET as a prime time Saturday night special. This year's fundraising total surpassed the previous record of $13.7 million, which was achieved last year.

The program also paid tribute to UNCF's host of corporate partners and detailed the vital role they play in assisting the UNCF to provide much needed scholarships and educational programs. This year's national corporate sponsors included American Airlines, AT&T, JPMorganChase and Prudential. Emmy Award-winner Louis J. Horvitz returned as the show's director and producer.

The United Negro College Fund is the nation's oldest African American higher education assistance organization. UNCF enhances the quality of education by raising operating funds for its 39 member colleges and universities and providing financial assistance to deserving students attending UNCF and other American colleges and universities. UNCF administers more than 450 scholarships and fellowships to students and faculty who attend its member colleges and universities, other HBCUs, and majority institutions throughout the country. Since 1944, UNCF has raised nearly $1.8 billion to promote higher education and has helped more than 300,000 students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees.

For more information, or to contact The College Fund (UNCF), see their website at: www.uncf.org