CELEBRATING WHO AND WHAT WE ARE
The MAC Foundation Gratitude Gala
The purpose of our Gratitude Gala is to recognize exceptional community members, individuals, businesses as well as organizations who have supported the MAC in furthering its mission, vision and values by fostering diversity, inclusion and the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. These awards recognize MAC members, volunteers, partners and those organizations and individuals who have mentored and help our members’ businesses succeed, supported our community for their extraordinary efforts in our community.
The MAC Foundation Gratitude Gala
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
- Metro Community College Culinary Arts Building, Ft. Omaha Campus
5370 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111
Events of the Evening:
- Cocktail Mixer
- Silent Auction
- Raffle
- Awards Ceremony
- Foundation Introduction
- Networking/Connecting
- Much, much more!
Award Categories
The Gratitude Gala will be acknowledging and awarding exceptional individuals, businesses and organizations in the following categories:
Inclusion Leader
Inclusion Leader – Organization who belongs to MAC and has made strides in the community through their business, through business expansion, hiring of staff, DEI programs or
community spirit.
Non-Profit or Philanthropic Star of the Year
Non-Profit or Philanthropic Star of the Year – Non-Profit Organization who has helped members or entrepreneurs with resources to help them succeed.
Partnership/MAC Champion
Partnership/MAC Champion – Organization who has partnered with MAC to achieve a program, or organizational goal that impacted members or community and has helped advance
the Mission of MAC.
Large Business of the Year – (25+ Employees)
Large Business of the Year – (25+ Employees) – Organization who belongs to MAC and has made strides in the community through their business, through business expansion, hiring of staff, DEI programs or community spirit.
Small Business of the Year (1-24 Employees)
Small Business of the Year (1-24 Employees) – Organization who belongs to MAC and has made strides in the community through their business, through business expansion, hiring of
staff, DEI programs or community spirit.
Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer of the Year: An individual or group who has dedicated volunteer time to help MAC achieve its mission.
Founders Award
Founders Award: Organization who embodies the values and vision of MAC’s Founders
Nukunu Award
Named after the Ewe word for "miracle," the Nukunu Award honors a young individual under the age of 40 who has exemplified grit, leadership, and Black excellence within our community
Sponsorship
Our Gratitude Awards recognize local businesses for their growth and contribution to thriving ecosystem for diverse entrepreneurs. Several awards will be given including the Inclusion Leader, Non-Profit or Philanthropic Star of the Year, Partnership/MAC Champion, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, as well as the Founders’ Award. We will also recognize extraordinary friends of MAC who have helped us build a strong organization this past year.
Why Sponsor?
The Gratitude Gala allows you to mingle with MAC members and friends at dinner, enjoy entertainment, a live auction, raffles, and awards presentation. As a sponsor, you will receive:
- Enhanced brand visibility among a diverse audience
- Targeted marketing opportunities, including logo placement, digital promotions, and social media exposure.
- Alignment with corporate social responsibility, showcasing your organization's values and commitment to making a positive impact.
- Networking and partnership opportunities.
- Contribution to a worthwhil cause, supporting the MAC Foundation’s programs.
Sponsorship Packages
Catalyst - Presenting
$55,000
Exclusive, 1 available
- Top billing on all marketing materials for both events
- Exclusive networking with key stakeholders at MAC events year-round
- Pitch Black Awards presenter
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, award presentations)
- Umoja Forum Series Presenter for 2 events
- Power Hour Presenter for 6 events
- Premium branding on event materials, social media, and press releases
- Media exposure through local press coverage (if any)
- Year-round recognition on all MAC events and materials
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Innovator - Diamond
$35,000
- Name on Gratitude Gala Awards
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, award presentations)
- Roll Call Presenter for 2 months
- Official Pitch Black Luncheon Sponsor
- Premium branding on event materials, social media, and press releases
- Media mentions in local press coverage (if any)
- Year-round recognition on all MAC events and materials
- Exclusive networking with key stakeholders and decision-makers
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Accelerator - Platinum
$25,000
- Premium branding on event materials
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, volunteering, etc.)
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- Name on MAC Foundation Scholarship Awards
- Speaking role: Opportunity to present an award or participate in panel discussions
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Gold Sponsor
$15,000
- Gold Sponsor for both events
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, fireside chats, volunteers)
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Table for 10 at Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala
Silver Sponsor
$10,000
- Silver Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities ( panels, fireside chats, volunteers)
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Table for 10 at Pitch Black Conference and 6 registrations for the Gratitude Gala
Bronze Sponsor
$5,000
- Bronze Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Vendor engagement opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- 6 registrations for both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala
Copper Sponsor
$2,500
- Copper Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- Vendor engagement opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- 4 registrations for both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala
2024 Gala Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Copper Sponsors
Table Sponsors
Scholarship Sponsors
Media Partners
Gala Tickets
Gratitude Gala Ticket - Member
$115
Gratitude Gala Ticket - Non Member
$125