United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Volunteer Involvement Program provides effective board governance training for professionals across the region. Over the past 25 years, the program has trained more than 2,200 graduates and connected them to nonprofit organizations.

To celebrate this important milestone, VIP is hosting an anniversary a gala on Saturday, October 28 at the Mason Fine Art Center. The evening will be emceed by media personality Jovita Moore. Actor and best-selling author Hill Harper, best known for his roles in CSI and Homeland will be the keynote speaker. Harper will share his amazing story that includes life as an actor, a single-father to an adopted son, and a long history of community leadership.

“Our VIP graduates are making a huge impact on non-profits– adding diversity, professionalism, and regulatory wisdom” says Janice Robinson, VIP Lead. “The outcomes from our gala are crucial to ensuring the next 2,000+ graduates have the training needed to make an impact at the board level.”

All proceeds from the Anniversary Gala and Corporate Sponsorships will support and fund three important areas—the growth of VIP programs (adding a new session each year), scholarships for members of the community who want to serve on boards but can't raise the course fees, and training grants for agencies to build and get the most of strong boards.

“For 25 years, United Way of Greater Atlanta’s VIP has been helping diverse leaders get the training we need and the support systems necessary to be the policy and executive-level decision makers that non-profit boards need,” says Andrew McCaskill, SVP Nielsen. “The program made me a better board member and servant leader.”

To purchase tickets, donate, or learn more, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org/event/vip-25th-anniversary-gala/.