A record $205,000 was raised for scholarships at the UNCF Pacific Northwest “A Mind Is”… Gala recently held the EMP Museum in Seattle. The record-breaking amount exceeded last year’s total by $35,000.
The event, attended by more than 300 business, civic and education leaders, was emceed by KOMO 4 News traffic anchor and reporter Paris Jackson. Mayor Marilyn Strickland of Tacoma, WA, served as the honorary chair.
“As a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, a UNCF member school, it was a pleasure to serve as honorary co-chair of the 2016 gala,” Strickland said. “Making college affordable and working with employers to place students in jobs after they graduate is one of the best ways to strengthen our communities and directly address opportunity gaps.”
The event also featured live and silent auctions, a VIP reception, entertainment provided by Zach Bruce Band and a dessert frenzy featuring chefs Erika Cline, a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef: Just Desserts,” and Shanita McAfee-Bryant, winner of the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” competition. Dr. Frederick D. Patterson Awards were presented to Swedish Health Services (Corporation of the Year), Chef Erika Cline (Individual of the Year) and Jim Sinegal (Lifetime Achievement Award).
“I’m honored to receive this prestigious award named in honor of UNCF’s founder, Dr. Frederick D. Patterson,” said Sinegal, co-founder of Costco. “Dr. Patterson’s work paved the way for African Americans to prosper through education. As a community, it is our responsibility to provide quality education for everyone.”
Money raised from the event will help provide Pacific Northwest area students with the resources they need to get to and through college.
