FIRST® Robotics & i.am/Angel Foundation
Announce Fundraising Gala on December 6 in Miami Beach during Art Basel
will.i.am & Dean Kamen
Host onstage discussion about the transformative power of STEM literacy and skill-building for young people
To purchase Gala tickets, visit firstinspires.org/gala
FIRST® Robotics and the i.am/Angel Foundation have joined forces to highlight the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for today’s youth, empowering them for a brighter future. This dynamic collaboration is set to take center stage at an extraordinary fundraising gala, co-hosted by will.i.am, founder of the i.am/Angel Foundation, and Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST. The event will be held at the luxurious Loews Miami Beach Hotel on Wednesday, December 6, coinciding with the prestigious Art Basel Miami.
The gala aims to honor the exceptional achievements of students involved in FIRST programs while emphasizing the critical need to engage more young people in these life-changing initiatives. “This year’s gala acknowledges the incredible work that students are accomplishing in FIRST and underscores the urgent need to involve more students in these transformative programs,” said Kamen. “We are thrilled to showcase the connection between STEM and the arts, celebrating the inherent interconnectedness of these disciplines.”
The SoBe gala guarantees an unforgettable evening, commencing with a star-studded red carpet as attendees arrive for an exhilarating robotics-inspired cocktail hour. Guests will have the opportunity to test-drive robots, immersing themselves in the cutting-edge world of robotics. The night will continue with a captivating silent auction, featuring an array of luxury, beauty, sports, and entertainment items.
Following the cocktail hour, attendees will indulge in a sumptuous seated dinner, accompanied by compelling content headlined by will.i.am and Dean Kamen. The duo will engage in an on-stage fireside chat, discussing the current state of STEM education for young people and its profound impact on our collective future.
A special tribute will be bestowed upon Ursula Burns, recognizing her unwavering commitment to FIRST. In addition to serving as a Board Member since 2000, Burns has generously dedicated her time to engaging with students at FIRST events and mentoring FIRST Alumni in their careers. Her extensive international experience includes leading major companies through technological transformations within their industries. From 2009 to 2016, she served as the CEO of Xerox Corporation, where she also held the position of Chairman of the Board from 2010 to 2017. Under her leadership, Xerox evolved from a global leader in document technology into the world’s most diversified business services company, catering to enterprises and governments of all sizes.
To purchase Gala tickets, visit firstinspires.org/gala