MAN UP Celebrates Decades of IMPACT With MARQUEE GALA

By: Jatika Hudson

Orlando, FL, June 14, 2024 – MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. (MAN UP) is excited to announce, "An Evening at the Cotton Club," a premier gala celebrating its 10-year anniversary and the transformative impact it has had on Central Florida’s at-risk youth. 

Since its inception in 2014, MAN UP has mentored over 1,200 at-risk youth in Orlando, providing critical guidance and support that has resulted in a 100% graduation rate for its high school seniors, with nearly 50% pursuing post-secondary opportunities. This remarkable achievement underscores the organization's mission, inspired by Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to empower youth than to repair broken men.”

MAN UP has become an indispensable resource in Central Florida, significantly reducing the societal costs associated with youth incarceration. On average, MAN UP mentors 52 youth annually, with 96% not offending or reoffending, saving taxpayers over $22 million in the last decade.

“As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are coining this, “The Year of The Youth,” said Samantha A. Wallace, Executive Director. “We are committed to investing in literacy, career readiness, youth entrepreneurship, financial literacy, mental health, and food security. However, to continue making a difference, we need the community’s partnership, participation, and donations. It takes everyone lending their time, resources, or expertise to help propel our young people forward.”

The black-tie gala aims to raise awareness about MAN UP’s mission and its impact over the last decade while generating crucial funds to support the organization’s growth and new programs. Patron tables are available for $2,500, with sponsorship opportunities ranging from $4,500 to $25,000, and program ads from $250 to $1,000. The deadline for pledges is August 21st, and program ads must be submitted by August 16th.

The marquee event will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Downtown. The evening will capture the elegance and vibrancy of the legendary Harlem 1920s social club. Attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour, gaming activities, auctions, live entertainment, and dancing.

For more information or to donate, please visit manupmentoring.com/gala. Follow the event on social media @manupmentoring #MANUPCottonClub2024.

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ABOUT MAN UP MENTORING, INC.

MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. is community-based non-profit 501c (3) charity organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational, and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an Executive Director, contractors and a full-time staff of volunteers. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public School System and social services.