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The 2nd Annual HYFIN Anti-Gala

Imagine a world where the whimsy of The Wiz collides with the boundless creativity and innovation of Afrofuturism. That’s what you’ll experience at our biggest fundraiser of the year: the HYFIN Anti-Gala.

This event Oct. 10 at Turner Hall Ballroom celebrates the past, present and future of Black excellence as we come together to support HYFIN’s mission. But leave your tuxedos and gowns at home. It’s all about expressing yourself through the lens of Afrofuturism and the magic of The Wiz. Get ready to ease on down the road for an evening full of inspiration, appreciation and celebration featuring:

  • An awards ceremony honoring the amazing Black talent in Milwaukee with awards for innovation, creativity, music and more.
  • A fashion show inspired by The Wiz designed by Edessa School of Fashion, the first Black-owned four-year fashion school in Wisconsin.
  • A dinner menu from James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of The Diplomat Dane Baldwin, Zakiya Courtney of Vegan Soul, and Jason Alston of Heaven’s Table.
  • A Wiz-inspired VJ set from DJ Bizzon to close out the night.

Individual tickets are on sale now via the Pabst Theater Group. If you’re interested in hosting a table/booth or becoming a sponsor, you can find more information below and click the image at the level you're interested in.


As the presenting sponsor, you or your organization receive exclusive naming rights (“presented by”), exclusivity over entertainment and food sponsorships, and a range of benefits, including:

  • Exclusive naming rights: Logo lock-up created with event title: “HYFIN Anti-Gala – The Wiz presented by [Your Company].” 
  • Prominent recognition: Logo on all event promotions, such as flyers, social media, and web pages. 
  • PR and marketing: Recognition as Presenting Sponsor in all public relations outreach, press announcements, and paid advertisements. 
  • On-air promotion: Verbal mention in recorded on-air promos on HYFIN and 88Nine. 
  • Event program booklet: Logo lock-up will appear on the front of the book, along with a special message from the sponsor to appear inside the event booklet. 
  • Full-page ad in the Gala program to advertise their business or organization, write a personal tribute, or recognize someone special. 
  • Event presence: Brand activation with signage, tabling, and giveaways. 
  • Event recognition: Verbal recognition and speaking opportunities during the event. 
  • VIP access: Two tables of 10, one company-sponsored and one donated to a HYFIN Community Partner. Both include early entry and VIP reception with a full-course dinner by Dane Baldwin. 
  • Fundraising campaign: Inclusion in HYFIN fundraising match campaign.

Support the Wiz-inspired culinary experience of the gala, with benefits including:

  • VIP access: Two tables of 10, one company-sponsored and one donated to a HYFIN Community Partner. Both include early entry and VIP reception featuring food from James Beard Award-winning chef Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat, Zakiya Courtney of Vegan Soul and Jason Alston of Heaven’s Table 
  • PR and marketing: Sponsorship recognition in public relations outreach and paid advertisements. 
  • Full-page ad in the Gala program to advertise your business/organization, write a personal tribute or recognize someone special. 
  • Event recognition: Verbal recognition (“tonight’s food provided courtesy of”) and speaking opportunities during the event. 
  • Fundraising campaign: Inclusion in HYFIN fundraising match campaign.

This level supports the evening’s curated entertainment, offering a range of benefits, including:

  • VIP access: Two tables of 10, one company-sponsored and one donated to a HYFIN Community Partner. Both include early entry and VIP reception featuring food from James Beard Award-winning chef Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat, Zakiya Courtney of Vegan Soul and Jason Alston of Heaven’s Table 
  • PR and marketing: Sponsorship recognition in public relations outreach and paid advertisements. 
  • Full-page ad in the Gala program to advertise your business/organization, write a personal tribute or recognize someone special. 
  • Event recognition: Verbal recognition (“all live performances provided courtesy of”) and speaking opportunities during the event. 
  • Fundraising campaign: Inclusion in HYFIN fundraising match campaign.

Host a group of 10 at a VIP table, with benefits including:

  • VIP access: Early entry and VIP reception with a full-course dinner
  • PR and marketing: Sponsorship recognition in public relations outreach and paid advertisements 
  • Promotional materials: Logo inclusion on web pages, social media and event signage 
  • Half-page ad in the Gala program to advertise your business or organization, write a personal tribute or recognize someone special. 
  • Event recognition: Verbal recognition at the event. 
  • Fundraising campaign: Inclusion in HYFIN fundraising match campaign.

Host a group of five in a VIP booth, with benefits including:

  • VIP experience: Five admissions, 10 drink tickets, access to a private bar and appetizers. 
  • PR and marketing: Sponsorship recognition in public relations outreach and paid advertisements.
  • Promotional materials: Logo inclusion on web pages, social media and event signage.
  • Half-page ad in the Gala program to advertise your business or organization, write a personal tribute or recognize someone special. 
  • Event recognition: Verbal recognition at the event. 
  • Fundraising campaign: Inclusion in HYFIN fundraising match campaign.

Latest & Greatest and Amplifier sponsor: $6,000
Your sponsorship empowers HYFIN's mission to support local artists. Through our Latest & Greatest program, we provide a platform for artists to perform and receive compensation, along with resources to advance their music careers through our Amplifier program. Receive one table and donate an additional table.

Grace Weber Music Lab Sponsor: $6,000 
Your sponsorship supports Grace Weber's Music Lab, which provides a platform and resources for aspiring high school students interested in pursuing a music career. Receive one table and donate an additional table.

Entrepreneur & Small Business Sponsor: $6,000 
This sponsorship package supports HYFIN's mission to amplify Black entrepreneurs and small businesses through events like the Blackity Black Holiday Market and the E-commerce Summit. Receive one table and donate an additional table.