Classic pop and Rhythm & Blues group, The Spinners, to headline fundraising event
More than 800 guests will come together to help the Milwaukee Urban League celebrate its 25th Anniversary Black & White Ball. The organization’s largest fundraiser and one of the city’s premier social events takes place on Saturday, June 19, 1020 beginning at 5:30 pm at the Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th Street. Named for the black and white, black-tie attire worn by its attendees, this year’s Ball is generating sponsorship and support from fourteen companies and community foundations.
“We are so fortunate that a diverse cross section of the community, including corporate, government and civic leaders attend the Black & White Ball year after year,” said Ralph Hollmon, Milwaukee Urban League president and CEO. “They enjoy the event, but most of all their presence reinforces to us that our education, employment, economic development and community service programs are making a difference in Milwaukee. Their generosity keeps those programs going, and we are grateful.”
This year’s Ball features classic pop and Rhythm & Blues group, The Spinners. Their timeless music has acquired twelve (12) gold records and six (6) Grammy nominations, topped both the pop and R&B charts, and received a Black Gold Award from Dick Clark and a Rhythm & Blues Foundation Award for its impact on the music industry. Today, original members Bobbie Smith, Henry Fambrough, and Pervis Jackson are joined on stage by lead singer Charlton Washington, high tenor Harold “Spike” Bonhart and a soul-infused 5-piece band.
The Milwaukee Urban League’s Black & White Ball will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a champagne reception presented by Brewers Community Foundation and Time Warner Cable. During the reception, guests can bid on great items in the silent auction, presented by Harley- Davidson and PNC, and pose for photographs provided by United Parcel Service. Berkley Fudge, presented by We Energies and the Wisconsin Energy Foundation, will provide music during the reception. Dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. with wine presented by Roundy’s Supermarkets, decorations presented by Coca Cola Enterprises, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and American Family Insurance, and an evening recognition program presented by M&I Corporation and JP Morgan Chase. The Spinners, presented by MillerCoors, will perform at 9:15 p.m. The ball will conclude with a post-ball reception beginning at 10:30 p.m., presented by Forest County Potawatomi Community Foundation. Music will be provided by D.J. Chris Levy.
