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Jet, March 20, 2000

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raised a record $13.5 million in cash and pledges during its annual fund-raising TV special, "An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence," which aired nationwide January 8 and January 9.

This year's total represents a 2 percent increase over last year's total.

"This achievement was made possible due to the enthusiastic assistance of our loyal supporters, celebrity hosts, performers, corporate sponsors and television stations," said William H. Gray III, president and chief executive officer of UNCF. "The $13.5 million will help thousands of deserving students, who without the aid of UNCF, would not be able to earn a college education and achieve their goals."

National viewership for the broadcast was up 8 percent over last year's show. Approximately 70 top television stations in every major television market aired the special, including network affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB and UPN. The special also aired on BET cable network.

The four-hour special was hosted by Lou Rawls, Debbie Allen, Star Jones and Lynn Whitfield. Highlights included performances by Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Barry White, the O'Jays, Chaka Khan and The Stylistics.

Other highlights included inspirational words of support from veteran producer Quincy Jones, Retired General Colin Powell, radio personality Tom Joyner and baseball great Barry Bonds.

"An Evening of Stars" also saluted UNCF's corporate partners for their vital role in providing resources that enable UNCF to provide much needed scholarships and educational programs. The national corporate sponsors were American Airlines, AT&T, Chase, Daimler-Chrysler, KFC and Prudential.

Founded in 1944, The UNCF is the nation's oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization in the country.

UNCF has raised more than $1.4 billion to support its consortium of 39 private institutions, and administer more than 450 educational programs, including scholarship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, study abroad, curriculum and faculty development and leadership development.