August 2026 Newsletter
Dear Friends of U-GO:
I’m thrilled to share that U-GO’s 14 partners are hard at work screening a record number of highly qualified applicants. We have already received over 30,000 applications for U-GO scholarships, once again offering data-driven proof that while an $800 scholarship may seem small to us, it is so important to these ambitious and promising young women who dream of going to university.
As we push toward our BHAG of 10,001 scholars by the end of this year, it is a motivating reminder that all of our individual actions can add up to big change. When UK Board Co-Chair Catherine Rainey sent her annual contribution last month, she included a little extra. “I am adding $800 on top of my annual commitment because as we discussed at our Global Summit in Cambodia — Every Scholar Matters!" Actions like Catherine’s help us to say “yes” to one more of those qualified young women waiting for their chance for a university education and a better life.
It is just over 100 days until Giving Tuesday (December 1), a day so named to counter the commercial juggernaut of Black Friday by kicking off the giving season. Our goal is to have 10,001 ambitious and promising young women in our program by that date. So between now and then, we plan to share the news with 3,286 young women (yes, you read that number correctly) that they’ve been chosen for long-term scholarships, that they have earned this, that they deserve it, and that they are ready to launch into the next phase of their lives.
Our partners feel very confident in this goal. But on the fundraising side, we are not there yet. Please continue to be as creative and generous as you can be, and spread the word to your networks, as we have not yet reached our target for financial commitments. We have faith that our investors, Board members and supporters around the world will get us over that finish line. As our new brand video says, you can “Be the One” who helps many more young women be the first in their families to go to university, graduate and to work in a fulfilling career. So that one day, they can “be the one” to take care of their families and communities.
To stay up-to-date on the climb to 10,001, check out the U-GO website for a real time “count up”.
To see just how far $800 can take a young woman, I encourage you to take three inspiring minutes to read the story below of Hân Nguyen Thi Ngoc. Raised by rural farmers in Vietnam, Han was empowered to pursue her dream of studying chemical engineering. A recent graduate, she is continuing to stretch herself by moving to Japan and working in product development for a cosmetics company.
When we cross that line on December 1st we will have accomplished what no other nonprofit in human history has ever done — awarded over 10,000 long-term university scholarships in less than five years. That is one heck of an accomplishment. And if we work hard and stay tenaciously focused, that finish line is in our sights!
Go team. Onward and upward!
John and the U-GO team
Stay tuned for monthly updates as we climb to the summit of 10,001 scholars. Please reach out to our team at [email protected] if you, your friends or company would like to be part of this monumental journey.
scholar spotlight
Hân Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Vietnam
The child of rural farmer workers of small means, Han’s love of learning came first through the escape found in books. Her older brother encouraged her to study hard, learn languages and excel in school. With the help of a U-GO scholarship, today Hân is a university graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, pursuing her passion abroad, working in product development in Japan.
Coming soon to a
city Near You…
Time to dust off the velvet blazers and bring out the magnums! Gala season kicks off in September at the 3rd Annual U-GO Hong Kong Wine Dinner.
Denver
U-GO is coming to the Mile High City!
DATE CHANGE! TBD Fall 2026 Saturday, August 15th, 4 - 6pm
Wildflower at Gravity Haus, 3638 Navajo St.
💫 Doing good is magic! Join us for our first ever Denver event featuring live music and world class illusionist Jordan Shank. Space is limited. Email [email protected] to stay informed when tickets booking opens.
Hong Kong
U-GO Wine Dinner
Saturday, September 19th, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
The Rosewood Hotel
🧧 We are back for the year’s most exciting and generous night of fundraising in Hong Kong! To inquire about table purchases or corporate sponsorship, please email [email protected]
San Francisco
U-GO Wine Dinner
Saturday, September 26th, 5:30pm - 9:30pm
China Live
🍷 The San Francisco annual wine dinner takes the wine experience to new heights this year. Start with winemaker tasting sessions in China Live’s speakeasy before moving the the 3rd floor banquet room for a delicious modern Chinese menu paired with more of California’s finest wines. Tickets on sale NOW! Reserve your seat here. To inquire about table purchases or corporate sponsorship, please email [email protected]
Sydney
U-GO Spring Gala in the Garden
Saturday, November 7, 2026
The Calyx at Royal Botanic Garden, 6pm - 10pm
🇦🇺 Join the U-GO Australia Board for it’s annual spring gala fundraiser to be held with the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Botanic Gardens. It will be an evening of delicious food, great wines and good people, all in support of U-GO. Cocktails followed by dinner, live auction and entertainment.
RSVP to [email protected]
Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Wine Auction hosted by Stonier Winery
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Stonier Winery, 4pm - 7pm
🍇 Join Stonier and some of Australia’s top wineries for the first ever Mornington Peninsula Wine Auction. Featuring a lively auction of magnums, museum wines and extraordinary experiences. Chef Yonatan Rotner will be grilling up Argentine style canapés by the fire pit while guests sip on the Peninsula’s fine vintages. A gorgeous winery afternoon of delicious food, great wines and good people, all in support of U-GO.
Space is limited. RSVP to [email protected]