16 September 2010: The Ubuntu Centre opening (Zwide Township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
Renowned musician and humanitarian, Hugh Masekela, will perform at the opening of The Ubuntu Centre, a $6 million investment in the heart of one of the poorest communities in South Africa. He will be joined by local government officials, children and families from the surrounding area, and the staff of Ubuntu Education Fund.
11 November 2010: Ubuntu Gala: I am because you are (New York, NY)
Please join Ubuntu Education Fund as we celebrate over 11 years of progress in the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Our Master of Ceremonies, Malaak Compton-Rock, will host an evening of music, food, and fun. Two students from Port Elizabeth will join us and South African-born musicians Vusi Mahlasela and Dave Matthews will perform.
To learn more about sponsorship or table sales, please contact Stephanie Pottruck Goldman at +1 646 827-1190 or stephanie@ubuntufund.org.
Past Events
London Gala
On May 5th, 2010 Ubuntu Education Fund hosted its 3rd annual London gala for 365 guests at the iconic Battersea Power Station. Notable guests included Aaron Mokoena, Captain of the South African National Soccer Team; Dr. Edwin Moses, Olympic Gold Medallist; and James Caan, Dragon’s Den entrepreneur.
Throughout the evening guests listened to speeches from Ubuntu staff and two incredible students, Phumela Cleopatra Mpongoshe and Siyasanga Mwanda. Phumela and Siyasanga spoke movingly about their experiences growing up in the townships of Port Elizabeth and credited Ubuntu with providing them the tools and opportunities needed to reach success at university.
After dinner, guests were treated to a spirited performance by South African Jazz legend Hugh Masekela. Hugh and his band delivered a rousing performance moving even His Excellency the South African High Commissioner Dr. Zola Skweyiya to his feet to dance the night away.
The evening generated one of the most successful fundraising evenings for Ubuntu, with more than £650,000 raised. All proceeds directly fund our mission of assisting orphaned and vulnerable children in accessing higher education and the world of work.
Rock the Bowl
On April 26th, 2010 Ubuntu Education Fund hosted our inaugural “Rock the Bowl” event. The party was held at Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley/live-music venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; an artistic and musical hub for up-and-coming artists.
The event was catered by top New York City restaurant, and long-time Ubuntu supporters, Blue Ribbon. Guests lined up at replica wooden taverns (or shebeens) for the South African-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails.
Revellers also took in spirited live performances from Lion of Ido, GrindCity, and Sierra Leonean hip hop group, Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew. The evening culminated with a rousing performance featuring cast from the Tony Award-winning Broadway smash, Fela!, and the world-famous Brooklyn band, Antibalas. Amidst the crashing of pins, aerialists dangled from the ceilings and dancers from Broadway’s TheLion King brought energy to the crowds out on the dance floor.
The night also saw the introduction of the Ubuntu Tribe, a group of up-and-coming artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and educators whose passion for their respective careers mirrors Ubuntu’s dedication to the children of Port Elizabeth.
The incredible night was capped off by a moving speech from President and Founder, Jacob Lief. This eclectic evening raised $100,000 for Ubuntu Education Fund.
Ubuntu's 10 Year Anniversary On April 23rd and April 28th Ubuntu celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary with benefits in London and New York City. Please check back for pictures and more!
Ubuntu and the Cast of Rent on Broadway
On May 14th, 2008, Rent on Broadway hosted a cocktail party at The Canal Room for Ubuntu Education Fund to honor the legacy of Rent’s writer and creator, Jonathan Larson. The partnership continues his mission to celebrate life amongst poverty and HIV/AIDS. The goal of the event was to support the multi-purpose hall and theater that will be part of The Ubuntu Centre. An online auction features exclusive prizes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the Rent cast. Guests included past and present Rent stars. To bid on items in the exclusive online auction, click here. Please check back often as additional items will be added. Auction powered by CharityFolks.com.
An Evening in London
On October 3, 2007, Ubuntu Education Fund hosted its debut benefit in London featuring South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela. Lady Rosa & Sir Sydney Lipworth opened their home to us in the heart of the city for this intimate gathering. The 140 guests enjoyed a feast of wines and food for the cocktail hour and dinner. In addition, our guests enjoyed a full evening of entertainment, including a silent auction, a riveting live performance by Hugh Masekela and presentations about Ubuntu Education Fund. We raised an inspiring £360,000, and look forward to returning to our growing community in London again next year.
Please follow the link below to hear some of Hugh Masekela's reflections on Ubuntu.
Annual World AIDS Day Loft Party
On December 1, 2007, Ubuntu Education Fund hosted its annual party in SoHo to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the Ubuntu community is making toward battling the disease in Port Elizabeth. The trendy downtown loft space, Safe Harbor, pulsated with energy as Ubuntu supporters met old friends, greeted new ones and danced to the live African band and DJ throughout the night. Between the silent auction, raffle and generous donations we raised $35,000 to continue fighting the AIDS epidemic.
Ubuntu Benefit
Ubuntu Education Fund hosted its first annual benefit at New York City's Puck Building which had been transformed into a lush African Bush for the evening's festivities. Nobel Peace Prize winner and Ubuntu Patron Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the keynote speaker. The event was emceed by Kevin Bacon and featured Angelique Kidjo, the Grammy nominated singer from Benin and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, whose richly diverse music had the entire room on their feet by the end of the evening -- including the Archbishop.
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