Mayor Kasim Reed Hosts 29th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball
Special Performance by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Metro Atlantans donned exquisite masks and elegant attire for an evening of style and holiday magic at UNCF’s 29th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball on Saturday, December 15, the highlight of Atlanta’s holiday charity event season. Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed was joined by UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax as co-host of the affair.
The Mayor’s Masked Ball was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Co-chairs for this year’s gala included Ms. Lovette Russell, community advocate and philanthropist and Mr.Curley Dossman, Jr., president, Georgia Pacific Foundation. The Marquis Sponsors for the ball included Coca Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS. The co-founders of the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball are Ambassador Andrew Young and Ms. Billye Suber Aaron.
“The Mayor’s Masked Ball brings together Atlanta leaders who are committed to education and to help the next generation of doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, business executives and entrepreneurs get the education they need to compete in a global economy,” said Lomax. “The Mayor’s Masked Ball is a not only a fantastic celebration, but it’s an opportunity for our community to come together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get To and Through college.”
UNCF’s Mayor’s Masked Ball attracts more than 1,200 attendees each year, including entertainers from film, television and music, major sports figures, elected officials and civic leaders and volunteers.
Many celebrities support UNCF by attending the Mayor’s Masked Ball including Jasmine Guy and Dawnn Lewis of The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World, Singer Jennifer Holliday, star of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls; Comedian and Actor Chris Tucker of the Rush Hour franchise and Silver Linings Playbook; and Larramie “Doc” Shaw of Disney’s Pair of Kings and The Suite Life On Deck.
In just the past six years, UNCF’s Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball has raised almost $10 million to support students who attend Atlanta’s four UNCF member institutions –Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College—Atlanta students attending other UNCF colleges and universities, and all the 60,000 students who attend UNCF member institutions.
This year’s festivities started with a VIP reception and silent auction, followed by the signature Parade of Stars and Dignitaries, an elegant dinner, and the Parade of Masks. Dancing followed with musical entertainment provided by legendary national recording soul artists Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
After-Party was held at the High Museum of Art – Atlanta
ABOUT UNCF
UNCF(United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 38 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. There are five UNCF schools in Georgia including Clark Atlanta University, The Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Pain College in Augusta. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at www.uncf.org
