The Milwaukee Urban League was presented with its largest donor check for the evening, $100,000 from MillerCoors. Making the presentation was Larry Waters (far left), VP of multicultural relations at MillerCoors. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)

The Milwaukee Urban League’s 27th Annual Black & White Ball held at the BMO Harris Bradley Center has gotten rave reviews from the more than 900 guests who attended. Entertained by female R&B group, En Vogue, attendees helped the League raise more than $377,000, breaking a new ball fundraising record.

The evening was chocked full of fun activities. A reception, with a signature cocktail, greeted guests. An electronic silent auction made it easy to bid on great prizes, and more than $16,000 raised from a special appeal to guests will mean that hundreds of low income children will receive backpacks and school supplies at the League’s 2012 Health & Back-to-School Resource Fair this fall.

One of the night’s highlights was when five area companies and foundations gave the League an extra financial boost with donations totaling $219.000. U.S. Bancorp Foundation donated $19,000 for education, workforce and economic development programs. Roundy’s Foundation donated $20,000 to the League’s Pathway to College and literacy programs. JPMorgan Chase Foundation donated $30,000 for workforce development and employment programs. The Wisconsin Energy Foundation presented $50,000 to be used for the League’s economic development programs. Finally, MillerCoors donated $100,000 to support workforce development and employment.

Milwaukee Common Council president Willie L. Hines Jr. and his wife, Janel attend Annual Black and White Ball for the Milwaukee Urban League. (Photo by Robert A. Bell)

“The League’s success is made possible by the investment of many generous donors whose support is critical to the success of our education, employment and entrepreneurship programs,” said Ralph Hollmon, President & CEO of the Milwaukee Urban League. “The Black & White Ball is an important reminder that when we come together to raise money and celebrate our diversity, we also build a better community.”

For the second year, a record number of 17 companies and community foundations served as major sponsors: American Family Insurance, BMO Harris Bank, Brewers Community Foundation, Coca Cola Refreshments USA, Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, JPMorgan Chase, ManpowerGroup, MillerCoors, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., Time Warner Cable, UPS, U.S. Bank, We Energies and Wisconsin Energy Foundation. Additionally, GE Healthcare had a significant presence at the Ball through its purchase of eleven corporate tables.

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Popular Interests In This Article: Charitable Donations, En Vogue, Fundraisers, Janel Hines, Larry Waters, MillerCoors, Milwaukee Urban League, Robert Bell Photography, Willie Hines