"Salute to Education" in Greenville March 20

The United Negro College Fund will raise money for scholarships with its fifth annual "Salute to Education" gala March 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville.

Rhythm and blues singer Freddie Jackson will be the entertainment for the black tie affair that will kick off this year's Upstate South Carolina Campaign for the UNCF. The nonprofit scholarship organization provides operating support to historically black colleges.

Last year's event raised $350,000. This amount helped schools keep tuition down to a rate 54 percent lower than tuition at comparable schools.

UNCF member schools in South Carolina include Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Morris College and Vorhees College.

A student does not have to attend a historically black college to receive support from the UNCF.

Scholarships from the organization can be provided for students to attend local schools such as Limestone College.

"The education gala will help these schools provide financial aid to students who would not ordinarily be able to attend," Stanley said. "A number of Cherokee County students have been able to attend college through the efforts of the UNCF. Students receive help with tuition and books through people's support of this organization."

About 60 percent of students receiving a UNCF scholarship are the first from their families to attend college. A national survey found 62 percent of students attending historically black colleges have an annual family income of less than $25,000.

The "Salute to Education" gala will highlight the role UNCF schools play in providing another education option for students.

The evening will end with a performance by Jackson, one of the most popular rhythm and blues singers in the 1980s. His hits include "You Are My Lady," "He'll Never Love You (Like I Do)," and "Rock Me Tonight."

For ticket information, contact Rev. J.W. Sanders Jr. at 489-7552.