I-HOPE Gala 2025: Dreaming Without Limits, Thriving Without Fear

We, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. in collaboration with the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students Education (I-CAUSE), are hosting the I-HOPE gala open to all U of I students and the community to raise funds for the I-HOPE scholarship that is awarded every year to four undocumented students. During the gala, there are performances, food, educational activities, and speeches about the undocumented experience. There is also a silent auction, and we charge for tickets to attend the event, all funds of which go to the scholarship. In addition, we plan to have a variety of student-made decorations relating to monarch butterflies which symbolize hope, resilience and dignity for the undocumented immigrant community . A highlight of the evening will be cuisine from Mary’s taqueria, a Immigrant-owned restaurant from Chicago, a choice we feel adds authenticity and celebrates Immigrant entrepreneurship.

The I-Hope gala is a beneficial fundraising event that enhances the education on culture and the importance of education for all, including undocumented students, by inviting alumni and members from the Illinois community to be guest speakers and to answer questions students and other guests might have. We aim to inform attendees about the financial, emotional, and social issues that undocumented students are facing and how, as allies, we can support them by engaging in educational games, guest speakers, and live performances. Also, we hope to empower undocumented students by interacting with guest speakers who have gone through similar challenges while pursuing their educational aspirations. This event demonstrated student leadership in learning, discovery, and engagement.

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. | Website | View More Events
Co-hosted with: I-CAUSE

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