UNCF Chicago Celebrates Successful 43rd Annual Walk for Education


UNCF Chicago Celebrates Successful 43rd Annual Walk for Education

 

UNCF Chicago celebrated another successful year of community, education, and philanthropy as 231 participants gathered at 63rd Street Beach for the 43rd Annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education on Saturday, September 26th. Students, families, alumni, educators, businesses, and community supporters came together along Chicago’s lakefront to raise funds and awareness for UNCF scholarships and its 37 historically Black college and university member institutions.


The fundraising effort reflects the continued commitment of Chicago area supporters who believe in expanding access to higher education and helping students get to and through college. Interested donors can still donate to the walk. 


“This year’s Walk demonstrated the incredible power of the Chicago community rallying behind the UNCF mission and what is possible,” said Ed Briscoe, Area Development Director for UNCF. “Every step taken at the 63rd Street Beach translates into opportunity for students and our member institutions. We are grateful for everyone’s support and already planning for next year.”


Marcus Bullock, past Chicago Inter-Alumni Council President and team captain of the UNCF Chicago Investor’s Village, earned top individual fundraising honors. The UNCF Chicago Investor’s Village also finished as the top fundraising team, demonstrating the impact that dedicated individuals and groups can make when they rally their networks around educational opportunity.


The annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education is the organization’s leading grassroots fundraising event in Chicago. Proceeds from the walk help generate vital mission support dollars that reinforce UNCF’s general scholarship fund, provide infrastructure support to its member institutions, and create robust student-focused programmatic offerings.


UNCF Chicago extends its appreciation to the 2026 walk sponsors and community partners, including Old National Bank and Adler University, as well as in-kind supporters Community Roots Fitness and WVON’s “The Rufus Williams Show.” UNCF Chicago also would like to especially acknowledge Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle for her years of continued advocacy. Cook County was represented by 22 individual bureau walk teams. The collective support received helped make the event possible and strengthened UNCF’s ability to bring the community together around its mission.


While this year’s walk has concluded, the opportunity to support students continues. The donation link will remain active through the end of UNCF’s fiscal year, March 31, 2027. Individuals, businesses, organizations, alumni groups, and community supporters are encouraged to keep contributing and help UNCF expand educational opportunities for students.


To donate or learn more about the 43rd Annual UNCF Chicago Walk for Education, visit https://tinyurl.com/UNCF-Chicago-Walk. Additional information about UNCF Chicago and its work is available at uncf.org/local-offices/chicago.


About UNCF Chicago

UNCF Chicago supports students and educational opportunities across Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The office works with donors, volunteers, corporations, faith communities, and civic partners to help students pursue college degrees and build better futures. Through scholarships, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement, UNCF Chicago connects people who believe in education with opportunities to invest in students. Learn more at uncf.org/local-offices/chicago.


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