Past Events

The 21st Annual Celebration Graduation event was held at Walt Disney Concert Hall to honor the achievements of foster youth graduating high school and heading to college. Nearly 130 students participated in the graduation ceremony, hosted by Paul Rodriguez with celebrity guest speaker, Jada Pinkett Smith.  Over 500 guests, including friends and family members of the graduates, UFC staff, board and volunteers and community learders, turned out for the event and enjoyed a catered reception by Patina. UFC hosted a pre-reception and presented 40 students with sponsorships totaling more than $600,000. They will receive support and services from UFC for the next 4-5 years during their college experience and beyond.

Hundreds of community members, UFC board and staff members, and friends and family of the graduates came out to Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate the academic achievements of Los Angeles foster youth. Nearly 150 youth participated in the very special graduation ceremony that included guest speakers Raven-Symoné and Harry Lennix, and Master of Ceremonies Damon Wayans, Jr. with a special video message from Paula Abdul. UFC also hosted a pre-reception for the 30 students receiving UFC College Sponsorships and all the guests of the evening enjoyed a wonderful catered reception by Patina.

UFC and its community partners honored the academic achievements of L.A. County foster youth at the annual Celebration graduation ceremony on June 4, 2008 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Of the over 130 youth graduating from high school and continuing on to college, 34 received a total of $435,000 in scholarships from UFC. Mike Epps served as the emcee, and Jurnee Smollett, Tameka Jacobs, John Hill, and two former foster youth were guest speakers at the ceremony. Over 800 graduates and their families and friends as well as community supporters enjoyed the evening program and reception catered by Patina.