United Negro College Fund Holds Benefit in East Hampton

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will host its fifth annual “A Mind Is…” summer benefit in the Hamptons on Saturday, August 6.

This two-day event, which will help students in their quest to attain higher education, is expected to attract more than 300 UNCF supporters looking to help support students’ education and development through scholarships and advocacy for minority education and college prep.

A VIP reception will kick things off from 5–6:30 p.m. at the private residence of co-CEO of Archie Comics, Nancy Silberkleit, in East Hampton. The reception will include designer Carlton Jones’ exclusive Resort 2017 fashion preview, a silent auction, and entertainment by the unique music group, Yotoco. Karen Hunter, a talk show host on SiriusXM, will be the two-day event’s mistress of ceremonies.

Following the VIP reception, the regular reception and program runs from 6–9 p.m.

“I love that I have been able to host an event that is all about education because as the co-CEO to Archie Comics, I not only see our brand as entertainment, but [also as] an attractive resource to get children reading. My feet have always been rooted in learning,” Silberkleit said.

Over the weekend, UNCF president and CEO, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, will have the opportunity to present the Keepers of the Flame award to Radio One’s Founder and Chairperson, Cathy Hughes, GMC Grosvenor’s Private Markets Managing Director, Derek Jones and Hudlin Entertainment’s President, Reginald Hudlin for their extensive efforts in helping provide support education to the UNCF.

“It is important as we work to secure better futures for us all that we pay homage to the keepers of the flamer for education while passing the torch to the next generation of leaders,” Lomax said.

The weekend will round out on August 7, with a VIP brunch hosted by Bill and Dianne Plummer and Paula Taylor.

For more than 72 years, UNCF has made a concerted effort to raise more than $4.5 billion to support minority students in education and a hope for a better future. Last year, the UNCF’s Hamptons Summer Benefit raised more than $140,000 for New York students. UNCF institutions and historically black colleges are beneficial to underprivileged minority youth, rewarding 21 percent African American baccalaureate degrees.

“UNCF and its donors help students annually go to and finish college. Such an education permits people who would otherwise go through life without a higher education to compete more effectively in the workplace,” Silberkleit said.

The UNCF hosts more than 400 programs, which includes internships and fellowships, scholarships, mentoring, faculty and curriculum development programs and summer enrichment. UNCF now supports 6,000 students at 1,100 colleges and universities across the country.

Visit uncf.org/events/event/ny-hamptons for more info.