Annual fundraiser to support programs for diverse, underserved youth
ST. LOUIS, MO, April 25, 2018 — INROADS is hosting its Annual Benefit Gala “Building A Legacy,” presented by Proctor & Gamble (P&G). On Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Union Station (Presidential Suite & East Hall) in Washington, DC, over 400 attendees will gather to celebrate the legacy of INROADS’ founder Frank C. Carr. The black-tie event includes a pre- and post-reception, dinner and program starting at 6:30 p.m. INROADS yearly fundraiser supports its programs for diverse, talented and underserved youth across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
The Benefit Gala will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Frank Carr by honoring individuals and organizations that exemplify the INROADS mission. The 2018 honorees include: Lifetime Achievement Awardee Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation (Jana Babatunde-Bey, WJSFF President to accept), Excellence in Leadership Awardee Tim Ryan (US Chairman and Senior Partner at PricewaterhouseCooper), the Frank C. Carr Awardee Lockheed Martin, Alumni of the Year Awardee Darryl Willis (VP Oil, Gas and Energy, Google Cloud at Google), and Rising Star Awardee Caleb Tacuri (Research Fellow at United States Department of Defense). The emcee for the evening will be veteran actress Ion Overman (CBS’ “Wisdom of the Crowd”).
“We are in our second year of this astounding event, and the growth we are witnessing is simply amazing,” said Forest Harper, President and CEO of INROADS, Inc. “From our honorees to our sponsors, we cannot say thank you enough for the support. The funds we receive at this year’s gala will help advance many of our signature programs, including College Links and Leadership Development Academy, and help us start more.”
INROADS College Links is a year-round program that gives talented, underserved high school students exposure to STEM and business career paths, including soft skills instruction, and corporate visits. In 2017, 100% of College Links seniors graduated high school and were accepted into college and planned to attend. Together, College Links graduates won more than $1 million in scholarships and financial aid. Another well-known program is the INROADS Leadership Development Institute, a three-day intensive development conference for graduating seniors to ensure they are workforce-ready with training sessions, networking, panel discussions and other preparation.
“INROADS changed my life ... Whether you realize it or not, today, you are sowing a seed. You are laying a foundation. You are building towers,” said Kayla Brooks, Senior in Business Management at Hampton University, as she gave an inspiring speech at the 2017 Benefit Gala. Her story, and many others, signify the importance of INROADS and its mission.
Special thanks to presenting sponsor Proctor & Gamble. Other sponsors include Burson Marsteller, Harris Corporation, JPMorgan Chase Company, Lockheed Martin, PwC, United States Department of Defense, Volkswagen and Xerox.
To find out more about this event or purchase tickets/tables, visit www.INROADS.org/benefitgala.
About INROADS
Founded in 1970, INROADS develops and places talented underserved youth in business and industry, preparing them for corporate and community leadership that effects community renewal and social change and elevates economic status and quality of life. INROADS has placed students in over 135,000 paid internships throughout its history, and graduated over 28,000 alumni into fulltime professional and leadership positions with over 1,000 corporate partners. Currently, INROADS serves nearly 1,300 interns and 200 corporate clients. To learn more, visit INROADS.org.
Media Contact: Christine Smitz • E: [email protected]
Event Contact: Zuleemah Edwards • P: 404.480.3940 • E: [email protected]