Luncheon to Stress the Importance of Supporting Education

The Tampa Leadership Council of UNCF announces its 9th annual Mayor’s Black History Month Luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott Westshore in Tampa. The event gathers Bay-area business, civic and education leaders who support UNCF’s efforts to get students “to and through” college. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will serve as the luncheon’s keynote speaker.

“College students should be focused on performing at a high academic level; not on whether or not they can afford tuition,” said Buckhorn. “UNCF and its partners are breaking down financial barriers for students by sponsoring this luncheon and building a pipeline of educated individuals who make a positive impact on our community.”

Each year, the Tampa Leadership Council of UNCF raises funds for deserving students through annual events: the UNCF All-Star Basketball Game presented by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, which celebrates its 30th year Friday, Mar. 6 at Jefferson High School in Tampa; and the Walk for Education, which is scheduled in September. In 2014, the Council distributed more than $157,561 in sponsorship support to 70 Bay-area students. Each fundraiser receives solid community support, and the luncheon has raised the bar as a premier Bay-area event.

“Our Black History Month Luncheon is the Council’s long-standing signature fundraising event, which has raised funds for local students to pursue higher education,” says Council Chair Felicia Harvey. “Since 1944, UNCF has helped more than 400,000 students, every dollar our Council raises goes to increase that number. We are excited and look forward to another successful luncheon.”

Nationally, UNCF supports more than 10,000 scholarships per year under more than 400 programs for students at 900 colleges and universities across the country.

“Mayor’s Luncheons raise awareness and bring us together with stakeholders whose commitment is critical in our work,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF President and CEO. “We must make sure that all Americans, not just some, get the preschool-through-college education they need, and that we all need them to have.”

The Mayor’s Black History Luncheon is sponsored by AT&T, WellsFargo and Fifth Third Bank. General admission tickets are $100 and corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information on the Tampa UNCF Mayor’s Luncheon, please contact UNCF at (407) 896-6940 or visit uncf.org.