About this Event
2026 APNET Gala & Fundraiser
Join us for an evening celebrating 16 years of impact, leadership, service, and community.
The 2026 APNET Gala & Fundraiser will bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, students, community leaders, partners, and supporters for an evening of celebration, connection, and giving.
This year, we are celebrating what APNET has built while looking ahead to what it will take to sustain and expand our impact. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to strengthen APNET’s capacity, sustain programs, invest in staff and systems, expand scholarships and youth opportunities, and continue supporting entrepreneurs, professionals, and communities across Greater Cincinnati.
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: DePaul Cristo Rey High School
3440 Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45225
Dress Code: Business Professional, Formal, African, or International Attire
Gala Highlights
• Cocktail Reception and Networking
• APNET Impact Stories
• Scholarship and Community Awards
• African Fashion Showcase
• Cultural Performances and Entertainment
• African Marketplace
• Silent Auction and Fundraising Activities
• African Inspired Cuisine
• Signature Cocktails
• Opportunities to support APNET’s next chapter
Partnership & Support Opportunities
Organizations, businesses, families, and individuals are invited to partner with APNET.
Presenting Partner: $15,000
Empowering Futures Partner: $10,000
Impact Partner: $5,000
Community Partner: $2,500
Corporate or Community Table: $1,000
We also welcome donations of any amount, matching gifts, in kind contributions, auction items, products, and professional services.
Partnership benefits may be tailored by mutual agreement based on your interests, contribution level, event timing, production deadlines, and availability.
Built to Last
For 16 years, APNET has been built through volunteer leadership, partnerships, and a shared commitment to community. Today, APNET is investing in the people, systems, and organizational infrastructure needed to sustain that work for the next generation.
Celebrate the impact. Invest in the future. Help build APNET’s next chapter.
For partnership opportunities (Tickets can be purchased from this link as well) Partnerships/Sponsorships: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/africanprofessionalsnetwork/event/APNETGala2026/
❤️ Donate: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/africanprofessionalsnetwork
APNET is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 46 1528068. Charitable contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
APNET Impact
For 16 years, APNET has connected communities, developed future leaders, supported entrepreneurs, celebrated culture, and created opportunities across Greater Cincinnati.
Recent highlights include:
• Nearly 10,000 attendees at AfriFest 2026
• More than 67 vendors, businesses, artisans, and performers participating in AfriFest
• More than 60 students participating in APNET Summer Programs from over 25 schools
• More than 40 volunteers supporting youth programming
• 12 scholarships awarded to high school and college students at the 2025 Gala
• Youth programming in leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, wellness, entrepreneurship, and personal development
• Professional networking and development opportunities for African and diaspora professionals
• Entrepreneurship and small business support through visibility, connections, and market opportunities
• An estimated $750,000 to $1 million in annual regional economic activity generated through APNET programs, events, participants, vendors, and related community spending
These numbers represent more than participation. They reflect APNET’s growing role in developing talent, supporting businesses, connecting communities, and strengthening Greater Cincinnati.
Why We Are Fundraising
Our goal is to raise $100,000 through the 2026 Gala to help sustain APNET’s impact and build the organizational capacity needed for its next chapter.
Funds raised will support:
• Scholarships and Education
• Youth Development
• Entrepreneurship and Professional Development
• Culture and Community Programs
• APNET Capacity and Sustainability
For much of APNET’s history, our work has been powered by volunteers. As our programs and community impact grow, we must also invest in the people, systems, and infrastructure needed to sustain them.
Capacity support will strengthen staffing, fundraising, communications, financial management, technology, program coordination, and organizational systems.
Your support helps fund both the programs our community experiences and the infrastructure that makes those programs possible.
Built to Last
Celebrate the impact. Invest in the future. Help build APNET’s next chapter.
Purchase a ticket, reserve a table, make a donation, provide in kind support, or become an APNET Partner.
Built to Last: Celebrating 16 Years of Impact. Building the Next Chapter.
Enjoy the vibrant photos from 2025 APNET Gala
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Program Highlights
Info: 5:00 PM Registration, Cocktail Reception, Networking, African Marketplace & Silent Auction
6:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:15 PM Dinner Service & Live Entertainment
6:45 PM APNET Impact Presentation
7:00 PM High School & College Scholarship Awards
7:20 PM Panel Discussion: Celebrating Excellence, Empowering Futures
7:50 PM APNET Community Awards Presentation
8:10 PM Fundraising Appeal & Capacity and Sustainability Support
8:30 PM Fashion Showcase, Cultural Performances & Celebration
9:15 PM Closing Remarks
9:30 PM Program Concludes
Event venue & nearby stays
DePaul Cristo Rey High School, 3440 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.