The walk is Sept. 14 at Tom Bass Park, Section 1
Houston Walk Photo 1
Houston Walk Photo 2
HOUSTON, TX, Aug. 14, 2024 – Proud Houstonians rallied together for education Aug. 7 at the 39th Annual UNCF South Texas – Houston Walk/Bike/Run for Education kick-off hosted by alliantgroup, the nation’s premier consulting and management engineering firm. Presenting sponsor, Shell USA, Inc., once again received top awards for the company’s 2023 participation.
The event brought together community leaders and business executives to acknowledge other 2023 top event performers and ignited excitement for this year’s fundraising efforts. Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, the Honorary Chair, impressed upon attendees the importance of the scholarships that the walk proceeds raise. Tatum encouraged those in the room to register, donate, and bring their friends and family with them to the event on Sept. 14, 2024, at Tom Bass Park, Section 1.
For 80 years, UNCF has strived to change the historically Black college and university (HBCU) narrative nationwide by equipping students with the resources necessary to transition into college, graduate, and ultimately establish fulfilling careers.
G’Khyri Patterson, Morehouse College senior education studies major, delivered a dynamic interactive Q&A session emphasizing how UNCF donors and event supporters make it possible for young students to develop leadership, presentation, and networking skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. His testimony, filled with stories about his and fellow classmates’ struggle with financing their education, left attendees charged up to run, bike and walk for education.
Sponsor representatives from Shell USA, Inc., alliantgroup, Whataburger, LyondellBasell, Motiva, Verizon, Marathon Oil Corporation, Wells Fargo Bank, H-E-B, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Enterprise Mobility, ExxonMobil, and Aramco were present, and they left fully committed to this year’s walk success.
Longtime partners, Southwest Airlines and Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis also made it possible for the kick-off to encourage community members to lace up for education.
Kimberly Williams, representing Shell USA, Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged students and highlighted their enduring partnership with UNCF.
alliantgroup’s Senior Director of Talent Kim Allen welcomed guests and shared how the company became involved with the event through the initiative of their National Director Eric Hylton, who is also a UNCF scholar and a member of the UNCF South Texas – Houston Leadership Council. The evening concluded with inspiring remarks from UNCF Area Development Director Zarinah K. Poole, who instilled a sense of purpose and determination in the audience.
“UNCF and HBCUs matter now more than ever as our students and institutions need ongoing support. Your partnership helps build future generations of college students who will lead this nation and contribute to our economy. Events like the Walk for Education help UNCF do just that,” said Poole. Poole shared pertinent details for the event and challenged everyone present to form a team, spread the word, and participate on Sept. 14, 2024, at Tom Bass Regional Park, Section 1 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Additional walk details can be viewed at UNCF.org/SouthTexasWalk.
Unable to attend, but want to make a difference in a student’s life? To stay connected to UNCF throughout the year, please visit our website to subscribe to our monthly newsletter at UNCF.org/Houston You can also follow this event on social media: facebook.com/UNCFSouthTexas/ #UNCF #LaceUp4UNCF #UNCFSouthTexas #UNCFHouston
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Zarinah K. Poole at 713.942.8623 or email Zarinah.Poole@UNCF.org.
