Tri-C Foundation Presidential Scholarship Luncheon Raises $1 Million
Entrepreneur, investor Daymond John headlines event to benefit students
Entrepreneur, investor, author and CEO Daymond John wowed the crowd as he shared success stories and helped the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation raise funds for students during its Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.
The Foundation's 2024 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon raised more than $1 million in critical funds to help Tri-C students in need achieve their academic goals.
The luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, took place Sept. 5 at the Hotel Cleveland on Public Square. Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., facilitated the dialogue with John, who is recognized as a leading keynote speaker.
"Daymond is the embodiment of entrepreneurial success and the lessons he shared from his career connected with our students and supporters," said Baston. "We are grateful to be able to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, tools, and knowledge to reach their business goals.
Since its inception in 1992, the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon has raised $25 million to help students with financial needs pursue higher education.
"Our region’s success hinges on a vibrant and innovative local marketplace," said Pat Pastore, PNC regional president for Cleveland and chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation. "The funds raised by the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon will help students grow into the next generation of business owners and leaders, an essential piece of our economy."
Money raised will support scholarships, including new opportunities at the Center for Entrepreneurs at Corporate College®, a division of Tri-C. Launched in the fall of 2023, the Center for Entrepreneurs offers courses, workshops, resources and a podcast studio for small business owners to achieve their goals.
In a surprise to close the event, John announced the winners of the Center for Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition, powered by PNC. The top three finishers were London Mitchell (owner of OneChance), Jeannette Logan-Lane (owner of Key Diversions, LLC), and Avrielle Eldemire (owner of Crown Me Pretty, LLC). The previously held competition showcased their businesses and pitched business ideas that will impact neighborhoods and fuel the local economy.
"John also spent time with our students in a special session where they could hear his amazing story firsthand and ask questions," said Tri-C Foundation President Megan O’Bryan. "It's experiences like this that make the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon truly a premier event."
John is the CEO and founder of FUBU, a global apparel company with billions in product sales worldwide. He is also in his 15th season on ABC's critically acclaimed business reality show Shark Tank, which has reinvigorated entrepreneurship. Shark Tank has received five Emmy Awards and is watched by millions of viewers around the world.
John has also authored six bestselling books, including his New York Times bestsellers The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). His most recent book, Little Daymond Learns to Earn (2023), is his first book for kids and reached The New York Times and Amazon bestseller lists during the first week of its release. The story of a young entrepreneur helps parents discover ways to teach financial literacy to their children.
John joins a list of distinguished speakers to headline the event, joining fellow CEOs Alex Rodriguez (2023) and Peter B. Lewis (2003). Other headliners have included past U.S. Presidents George W. Bush (2014) and Bill Clinton (2013), athletes Earvin "Magic" Johnson (2015) and Bill Walton (2019), author Maya Angelou (1995) and TV personality Oprah Winfrey (2002).
The event's co-chair sponsors included AT&T, A Taste of Excellence, Brewer-Garrett, Consolidated Solutions, Steve and Dana Demetriou, Keene Inc., the Lerner Foundation, Medical Mutual and Thompson Hine LLP.
September 05, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu