Pittsburgh Promise guarantees future of scholarship program with fundraiser

The name Wynton Marsalis should be enough to draw a crowd to any event. But for the Pittsburgh Promise, the choice to have the world-renowned jazz musician play at its largest fundraiser yet extends beyond entertaining guests.

“Wynton is in a class all by himself when it comes to creating educational opportunities for underserved kids,” says Pittsburgh Promise Executive Director Saleem Ghubril, referring to the performer’s work with homeless and disadvantaged young people.

On Nov. 10, Marsalis and his quintet will headline A Night of a Million Possibilities, an exclusive benefit concert and fundraiser to help the nonprofit organization continue their mission of enabling area youth pursue post-secondary education. The program caters specifically to Pittsburgh Public School (PPS) students who graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a minimum attendance record of 90 percent. Candidates must also be continuously enrolled in the PPS district, and be City of Pittsburgh residents since at least the beginning of their ninth grade year.

Since its launch in 2008, the Pittsburgh Promise has invested more than $82 million in sending 6,469 students to college or technical schools, a number Ghubril believes is worth celebrating.

“Some may say, wait until your 10th anniversary, why do it for your eighth?” says Ghubril. “There’s nothing flashy or pizazz-y about eight. For us, it’s the Promise is no longer an idea. The Promise has legs and deliverables and outcomes.”

A Night of a Million Possibilities is the second fundraiser hosted by the Pittsburgh Promise. The first took place in 2012, and, as Ghubril explains, served more to recognize the program’s first college graduating class.

PNC Bank’s sponsorship of the event brings the financial institution’s total giving to about $1.3 million for post-secondary education sponsorships. UPMC has also committed to matching $2 for each $3 in contributions that Pittsburgh Promise receives up to $10 million annually.

Besides Marsalis, the gala event will also include an appearance by billionaire philanthropist Thomas Tull. Tull, who resides part-time in Pittsburgh and in Beverly Hills, Calif., runs the blockbuster film company Legendary Entertainment and has become an influential force in local real estate, sports and education. He currently serves as a Pittsburgh Promise co-chair along with his wife, producer and photographer Alba Tull.

Ghubril explains that, like Marsalis, Tull understands the importance of organizations like the Pittsburgh Promise.

“Scholarships are how he was able to go to college,” says Ghubril. “He knows growing up with very little, and having to struggle and swim upstream.”

A Night of a Million Possibilities is expected to raise around $1 million, bringing the remaining Pittsburgh Promise fundraising balance to about $64 million. The amount should provide scholarships to eligible students through 2028. It will also bring the organization closer to achieving its ultimate fundraising goal of $250 million.

Ghubril says the event should also lead to relationships essential to preserving the future of the Pittsburgh Promise.

“The bridges that will be built and the connections made as a result of this event are where the real potential for completing the campaign exists,” says Ghubril. “In a sense, the event will kick off a new season of fundraising with new opportunities.”