UNCF ‘A Mind Is…’ Supports East End Students

The UNCF (United Negro College Fund) will host its seventh annual Hamptons summer “A Mind Is…” benefit weekend, August 18 to 19. Funds raised will provide scholarships for underrepresented students on the East End, from Riverhead to Montauk, and help maintain the 37 UNCF member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

UNCF is the nation’s largest minority education organization. The foundation supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs.

The event, which will honor educator and former HBCU president Dr. Johnetta Cole and media trailblazer Edward Lewis, was created to show appreciation to UNCF’s supporters whose commitment to education has opened doors for deserving students who couldn’t afford the cost of college.

“Events such as the Hamptons Summer Benefit are vital to the sustainability of the community,” said Fred Mitchell, vice president, UNCF’s Northern/Midwest region. “UNCF changes lives by helping the students of today become the teachers, scientists, business people, doctors and nurses of tomorrow — ultimately fortifying a better future for us all.”

More than 400 community influencers, business, and civic leaders are expected, including event co-chairs philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and Gregory Lowe II, CEO of Lowekey.

Each year, UNCF honors game-changing advocates of education with the Keeper of the Flame award. This year, Lewis, who is the founder of Essence magazine and Essence Music Festival, and Cole, the former president of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, will receive the award. Cole was also a director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and is presently principal consultant of Cook Ross.

Past recipients include Susan Taylor, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, Robert Smith, Cathy Hughes, Reginald Hudlin, Dr. Ronald Johnson, and Frank Baker.

On Saturday, August 18, there will be a VIP reception at 5 PM, followed by dinner and program at 6:30 PM at the Silberkleit residence in East Hampton. On Saturday, August 19, a brunch will be held from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Bay Kitchen Bar in East Hampton. For ticket information, contact Lexi at lexi.hellerman@uncf.org or 212-820-0147.

jessica@indyeastend.com
@HamptonDaze