Fontbonne University to host fundraising gala, supporting debt-free education

CLAYTON – Fontbonne University announced its second annual Fontbonne Prom: A Scholarship Fundraising Gala, on Monday, with all proceeds to benefit the university and The Fontbonne Promise.

The Fontbonne Promise is a scholarship program at the university that enables qualifying, low-income Missouri freshman with the highest level of financial need to receive full tuition and fees for up to five years throughout his/her college journey. The program is funded in part by the gala, which raised $550,000 during its inaugural event in 2018, as well as state aid and individual donors who commit to $10,000 or more per year for five years.

“We want to change the paradigm for low-income students,” Dr. Michael Pressimone, president of Fontbonne University, said.

In 2018, the university reported that 32 Fontbonne Promise students were admitted to study at the university.

“We believe no deserving student should be left behind,” Pressimone said. “And we strive to create positive change for individuals, families, and the St. Louis community.”

This year’s Fontbonne Prom will be held Saturday, May 18th, at 6:00 pm at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis. The gala will feature St. Louis native Tish Haynes Keys as the emcee. Keys competed on NBC’s The Voice in 2018 and entertainment by The Fabulous Motown Revue.

Orvin Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest BankCentre and former president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, will serve as the honorary event chair.

“We work at Midwest BankCentre to empower people, enable businesses and energize neighborhoods through the strength of our financial services,” Kimbrough said. “Similarly, Fontbonne University and the Fontbonne Promise Scholarships give college-ready students access to an education that will expand their potential and allow them to contribute to the region’s prosperity by developing their gifts, reshaping our community for the better.”

Tickets for the fundraising gala are $250 per person and can be purchased online.

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