Dinner + Conversation with Allan Golston, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Join Black Benefactors to kick off our 10th anniversary year with an intimate dinner and conversation on philanthropy with Allan C. Golston, president, United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Our dinner series events feature great food, thoughtful dialogue on philanthropy, and networking opportunities.

Presentation highlights will include Allan’s career path in philanthropy and how the Gates Foundation is working to create opportunity and close achievement gaps in education.

In observance of the 2017 Black History Month theme, “The Crisis in Black Education,” Allan will also share particular challenges facing black students in the US, and ways our giving can support education in the Black community.

Your ticket price will cover a three-course meal, unlimited beverages (coffee, iced/hot tea and soda), restaurant service charge and gratuity. Reserve your seat today – space is limited.

Let us know you're coming! Use hashtags #bbdinner, #blkben10, #blackbenefactors10

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER

Allan C. Golston serves as president of the United States Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leading efforts to advance educational opportunity and student achievement in the United States to ensure that all students – and particularly low-income students and students of color –receive a high-quality education that leads to success in college and their careers. He oversees the U.S. Program’s major areas of investment—Education, Pacific Northwest, and Special Initiatives.

Originally joining the foundation in 2000 as the chief financial officer, Allan felt a deep connection to the U.S. Program work—which spans early learning, K-12, and postsecondary—and began serving as president in 2006.

Allan believes education provides a bridge to opportunity unlike any other in America, and he is committed to ensuring all young people have the education and opportunity they deserve. This includes a deep focus on equity in education and using data to get to better outcomes for students of all backgrounds.

Allan’s professional background is in finance, health care, and education. He holds an MBA from Seattle University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Colorado. Allan is an active community volunteer and serves on the boards of a number of regional and national organizations, including Seattle University, Charter Schools Growth Fund, and Stryker Corporation.

Allan also serves on the Museum Council for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and was named to Ebony magazine’s 2016 Power 100.

Thank you to the following sponsors: Cauderlier & Associates, Inc., District Cleaners Equipment, Inc., Nancy Joint Venture, Sharp Enterprises and C. Webb, Inc.

FAQs

I want to support the event, but cannot attend. Can I donate by purchasing a ticket?

We ask that you do not purchase a ticket to support our event if you cannot attend. Because seating is limited, it will prevent someone else from attending. Please donate using the "Donation" option. Any amount is greatly appreciated!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please contact us at info@blackbenefactors.org with any questions about the event.

What's the refund policy?

Due to limited seating, refunds will only be provided until January 14, 2017. After this date, if you cannot attend but would like to give your seat to someone else, please let us know 48 hours prior to the event.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Yes. Please see answer above.

Is my ticket tax-deductible?

No, the individual ticket cost is not, but the membership ticket is tax deductible. To make a tax deductible donation to our fund, please visit https://cfncr.wufoo.com/forms/the-black-benefactors-fund/.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

Yes, but please let us know so we can add the person's name to the guest list.