UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball 2016
The 33rd Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball , UNCF’s signature fundraising gala and premier social event of the holiday season, was held Saturday, December 17, at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta. Founded 33 years ago by Mrs. Billye S. Aaron and hosted by former Mayor Andrew Young during his first administration, the Mayor’s Masked Ball is supported by major corporate partners and friends of UNCF. Hosted annually by the sitting mayor, each year, more than 1,200 guests from the greater metro Atlanta community, along with nationally- acclaimed celebrities including, recording artists, entertainers and public officials attend.
This year’s UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball was hosted by The Honorable Kasim Reed, Mayor, City of Atlanta Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., Executive Vice President, National Development, UNCF Justine Norman Boyd – Regional Development Director. Celebrity Host for the event was Comedian J. Anthony Brown, and singer, drummer, and percussionist, Sheila E. brought attendees out of their seats and on to the dance floor with her electrifying performance, which included a Prince Tribute. Even singing sensation Usher Raymond was out of his seat during Shelia E.’s performance, videoing Sheila E. and himself and posting for his Instagram fans “Live.” Other celebrity guests who attended the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball included Angie Stone (who joined Sheila E. on stage and sang) Tyrese, Future,Young Jeezy, Ambassador Andrew Young, Hank Aaron, Roger Bobb, Jermaine Dupri, and Phaedra Parks, just to name a few.
Although it was my sixth year attending the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, where I’m usually interviewing attendees and taking celeb shots for my web magazine (blog), Sonya’s Spotlight, this year I decided to take the journalist/blogger hat off and mingle and party more. I even got the courage to dance on stage with Sheila E. – the highlight of my night! After realizing that I didn’t have many photos to post for my blog the next day, I utilized the next best thing . . . Instagram photos. So, enjoy a few photos below – many from me and a few from attendees who posted on their Instagram pages. You can also view more photos by visiting the UNCF 2016 Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/UNCFMayorsBallATL/. Enjoy.
Mayor Kasim Reed and his wife, Sarah Elizabeth are introduced at the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball.
Sonya Jenkins arriving at the Ballroom at the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball 2016
