UCF Alum and UCF NSCM Hall of Famer Heissam “I’m in” Jebailey has announced that they will be celebrating our 15 Year Anniversary of the World’s Largest Black and White Weekend for Charity and Wellness in honor of BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. As CEO and Founder of Black and White Weekend and Orlando Networking Event, Jebailey is inviting the community to participate in this charity event. In a brief interview, he shares why this event is distinguished, when the event takes place, and why he created this event.
What makes this event distinct from other charity events?
“What makes this event distinct from other charity events is that Black and White Weekend still remains the only event of its kind in the world that spans 3 days and 2 nights where up to 1,000 amazing attendees from all over Central Florida and beyond dress up in only Black and/or White Colors during the main event. There is also no sit-down dinner but hours of fun through entertainment, music, dancing and networking representing BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation while promoting wellness year-round.”
When and where is this event taking place?
“This event takes place annually every May and our 15 Year Anniversary will come full circle on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel across from Pointe Orlando.”
Why did you create this event?
“In the early 2000’s, at the age of 22 and soon after graduating from UCF, I became nearly fatally ill with a full-blown case of pneumonia and pre-cancer lymph nodes throughout my body. After 2 months in ICU and envisioning only black and white colors, I had a miracle surgery that gave me a whole new outlook on life. Since then, we have become the World’s largest and longest running Black and White Weekend in U.S. history while also raising over $215,000.00 to date and counting in programming funds for kids battling cancer.”
What do you hope people will take away from this event?
“What the #committeefam and I always hope people take away from this unique and extraordinary event is that you only live once and there is nothing better than bringing the community together, having a fun and stress-free time of your life all while giving back to an amazing cause. It’s a great feeling and creates permanent memories for all those involved.”
Written by Majdulina Hamed.
Published to Nicholson News on December 6th, 2024.
If you have any news, accomplishments or highlights about your work or life, please be sure to share them with us, by emailing us at NicholsonNews@ucf.edu.