Fundraiser launched to help Black students finish college on MLK Weekend

Please donate to the Close the Gap Fund here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/488350812907518/

Five years ago former Hillside NJ councilman and African American Reports owner, George L. Cook III was invited to a fundraiser given by the Union County College Foundation to support something called "Close the Gap”.

The Close the Gap campaign was intended to accelerate the pace of African American student success at Union County College by providing financial assistance to students approaching graduation as well as resources for other academic needs.

Cook was so impressed by the initiative and the passion of those who started it that he asked to join the Union County College Foundation to help out in any way that he could. After becoming a foundation trustee Cook struggled in that first year to see where he could fit in with the mission of both Close the Gap and the Union County Foundation.

At that time Facebook started allowing users to run fundraisers. Cook had over 5,000 friends so he started a fundraiser for the foundation. That initial fundraiser took in $920 and in the three years since over $6,000 more has been raised in an annual fundraiser Cook starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.

This year the councilman launched his fundraiser on January 15, 2021, the actual birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.

Cook says that he chose that date to honor Dr. Martin Luther King and that King understood the importance of education. He then quoted King.

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education."

Mr. Cook also stated that giving to help these Black students finish school is also a way to help fulfill King's dream.

"Many of these students just need money for transportation, books, to eat while at school, or just to pay for that last class they need to graduate." said Cook.

In these times of Covid-19 that has become all that much more difficult as students must now struggle with other issues like helping their families pay rents or pay the bills. These students need our help now more than ever. As we all know that when a student drops out there is a good chance that they will not come back. Let us not let that happen."

"Thanks to the Close the Gap initiative, the graduation rate for male African-American students has more than quadrupled at Union County College in the five years since its launch. Let us keep that progress going. Please donate today through Facebook by clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/488350812907518/

Please donate to the Close the Gap Fund here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/488350812907518/

Facebook pays all the processing fees for you, so 100% of your donation goes directly to the nonprofit. The UCCF will receive donations from Network for Good within 45-75 days after a donation.

UNCF to Host new National Virtual Walk for Education, supporting both HBCUs and Students

Online fundraising event will provide fun interactive activities for the public during mandatory social distancing

Washington, D.C., Aug. 19, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- How do you stay safe during a pandemic, raise money for a great cause and get some exercise in on the side? Through the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Virtual Walk for Education®, of course! The new digital fundraiser replaces the annual in-person walk events that many of the UNCF local offices conduct each spring, summer and fall, taking what’s typically been a market-by-market approach on to a fully nationwide event. 

The revamped, highly anticipated UNCF National Virtual Walk for Education® aims to raise funds to support historically Black colleges and universities and the students they serve through the help of individuals, corporations and other group donors. While the country is practicing social distancing, the event will engage participants in activities to walk, run, cycle and dance safely—all the while having fun and still raising money for UNCF. The Walk is set for 2 p.m. EDT/11 a.m. PDT on Saturday, Sept. 19. 

 “For more than 76 years, UNCF has fueled HBCUs with vital resources to educate generations of African American and other minority students,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “During an unprecedented time in our history compounded by COVID-19 and racial disparities, our students and institutions are faced with enormous challenges now more than ever. We are at risk of washing away a generation of talented and deserving African American and minority students. We need as many donations as possible right now because the students we help now will be our next generation of doctors, nurses, biologists, virologists, epidemiologists—the pandemic frontliners of the future. We invite everyone to join our new National Virtual Walk for Education to help ensure better futures for us all.”

 A UNCF survey of more than 5,000 students across 17 HBCUs found that many are dealing with difficulties such as sick family members, trouble paying bills and general stress from the ongoing pandemic and recent protests against police brutality. Support is needed now more than ever as students and institutions are faced with challenges including COVID-19 and racial disparities.

Current national sponsors of the UNCF National Virtual Walk for Education® are National Doctorate Sponsor, Colgate-Palmolive Company and the National Master’s Sponsors, Essentia Water and Arch Capital Group, LTD.

The digital fundraiser will also honor local supporters, highlight UNCF HBCU presidents and include a celebrity DJ spinning live. Participants will be able to engage in a celebrity fitness warm-up including up-beat music to dance to all in honor of supporting HBCUs and their students.

To register for the event and find the local office that supports your area, please go to: https://uncf.org/event/2020-national-virtual-walk-for-education

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About UNCF

UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

Help black students continue their education

Union County College Foundation trustee George L. Cook III and some of the young men helped by the Close The Gap Fund.

Hi, my name is George L. Cook III. I am a trustee on the Union County College Foundation, and we help students finish college.

Many African American students at our college struggle to finish school not because of academics but because of finances.

Many of these students struggle with their stay in school but not due to grades. They need help with paying for classes, books, transportation, and even paying for lunch.

The Union County College Foundation and we have a fund called the Close The gap Fund to help these students finish college.

I am raising money for that fund, and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps.

Many of these students struggle to stay in school but not due to grades. They need help with paying for classes, books, transportation, and even paying for lunch.

Last year we raised over $2,500 through Facebook fundraisers. That may not sound like much, but that money helped students pay for that last class needed to graduate or a book they needed for a class. Anything you can give can change a young person’s life.

Many of these students that were helped continued to further their college education to help better themselves and our communities. Please give today.

You can donate to the Close The gap Fund here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/438911413440654/

More About the Close the Gap – Seeing the growing achievement gap among our African-American students, four volunteers knew that something had to be done. Working with local governmental officials and community leadership they developed the Close The Gap Campaign to provide financial assistance to students approaching graduation as well as resources for other academic needs. This program has already had an impact on student success which has translated into nearly doubling the African American male graduation rate in one year. For more information on this program please click here

More about the Union County College Foundation The Union County College Foundation was established in 1977 with the mission of supporting the educational needs of Union County College students by providing resources not available through public funding. Foundation dollars provide support for scholarships, equipment, facilities, academic programs and special projects. The mission of the Union County College Foundation is to develop private financial resources to support Union County College programs and students.

New Jersey UNCF host 5K Walk for Education Raising Money for HBCUs

September is the month for walks as UNCF (United Negro College Fund) hosts 5K walks for education. Between 300-1,500 community influencers will come together to raise vitally needed funds for deserving area students and the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that support them.

“More than ever, students need a college education to be competitive and succeed in today’s global economy,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF. “By investing in our students now through events like the UNCF Walk for Education, we are providing them with a path to success that will pay future dividends for them, their families and communities, and for all of us.” Last year’s UNCF-sponsored walks raised more than $2 million.

The details about upcoming UNCF Walk for Education event in Newark NJ are:

The first annual UNCF New Jersey 5K Walk/Run for Education, in partnership with Kat Team Foundation, looks to bring together individuals, family members, friends and co-workers to participate and help raise much-needed funds to help address college-bound students’ financial obstacles so that they are able to get to and through college on September 22 at the Brookdale Park. "Physical and Mental Health and Wellness" is the theme, with activities for children, music, healthy refreshments, friendly competition and information for healthy living at all stages. 

        Run/Walk Day Activities
        Race awards
        Vendor booths
        Food trucks
        Activities for children
        Team photos
        DJ and much more!

Register and find out more information at UNCF.org/NewJerseyWalk 

About UNCF UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.