UNCF Set to Break Fundraising Records at Sept. 21 Walk-a-Thon.

News Desk/Education Writers

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) supporters are gearing up to break last year's Walk-a-thon's fundraising record of almost $400,000 at this year's event, set for Sept. 21.

By participating in this year's walk-a-thon -- the 17th annual event -- members

U.S. Olympian and Houston Entrepreneur Carl Lewis serves as honorary chair of the event. Mark Washington of JPMorgan Chase Bank and Thaddeus Gamble of Whitney Bank are co-chairs.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston, the Walk-a-thon will cover 6.2 miles. Individuals and companies may participate by walking, gathering pledges or sponsorships.

"The Walk-a-thon not only benefits an excellent cause -- education for minority students -- it is also an enjoyable event for the entire family," said Tim Roseborough, UNCF area director. Live entertainment and refreshments are also planned.

The annual Walk-a-thon benefits more than 60,000 young men and women attending the 39 UNCF member colleges and universities. In its 58-year history, UNCF has graduated over 350,000 students representing over 90 major fields of study. Over the last 16 years, the Houston UNCF Walk-a-thon has raised well over $1 million and has involved the entire community from individuals and churches to civic groups, small businesses and major corporations.

Nearly 3,200 students from the state of Texas are currently enrolled in UNCF colleges. Four UNCF schools are located in the state: Huston-Tillotson in Austin, Jarvis Christian in Hawkins, Paul Quinn in Dallas and Wiley College in Marshall.

Corporate sponsors for the walk are: Duke Energy, Continental Airlines, Reliant Energy, United Space Alliance, ExxonMobil, Union Pacific, BP, SBC, JPMorgan Chase, Aramco Services, Kroger, The Chronicle, KCOH and Gilbreath Communications, Inc.

For further information on the UNCF Walk-a-thon, call 713/942-8623.