UNCF Raises Funds for the Next Generation of Leaders at the Indianapolis Masked Ball
Indianapolis, Indiana (PRWEB) November 18, 2016 -- The Indianapolis-area office of UNCF will host its 9th annual Masked Ball on Dec. 3, raising vitally needed funds for the next generation of leaders. Close to 900 business, civic and education leaders, including UNCF’s president and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax and masked honorary co-chairs Congressman Andre’ Carson and Mayor Joe Hogsett, will attend the event, which will be held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.
“Today, it is important for the community to continue to come together to support our future leaders,” said Lomax. “We determine the future by ensuring our institutions can meet their financial needs and providing the opportunity for all students to not only attend but stay in school.”
The 2016 UNCF Indianapolis Masked Ball continues its tradition of honoring leaders for their game-changing advocacy on behalf of education through partnerships with UNCF and their own work. Norma Dartis devoted 10 years of service as Masked Ball planning chair. Brittany Davis excels in education as a 2016 UNCF Shining Student and a 2016 UNCF Stem Scholar funded by the Fund II Foundation. Retired as superintendent from MSD Pike Township Schools, Dr. Nathaniel Jones-led Pike High school has the highest number of Gates scholars in the state.
A true testament of paying it forward through education is the participation of Indiana scholars who have benefited from the diligence of UNCF and community members. Damion Miller was selected as a member of the Anthem Corporate Scholars program’s first cohort and obtained his degree from Wiley College in three years. Later, he was hired by Anthem after completing the final year of the programs internship. Brittany Davis graduated as valedictorian from Ben Davis High School. As a freshman at DePauw University, she received the Stem Scholarship from the Fund II Foundation.
Notre Dame University sophomore Trebor Goodall is the first Gates scholar from an Indiana charter school and is also the first in his family to go to college. Lastly, Gates scholar Sidney Rucker is a Ph.D. candidate from Indiana University.
Founded 14 years ago as the Indianapolis AEOS gala hosted by corporate chair Bart Peterson, this event continues to grow as one of the signature fundraising events in Indianapolis. This year’s presenting sponsors are Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company and new vice chair Lumina Foundation. Their support, along with that of other sponsors and UNCF supporters, will help raise funds for UNCF’s 37 member institutions and more than 400 scholarships, internships and fellowship programs.
“With the support of our corporate and community partners, we continue to invest and enrich the lives of young people wanting to succeed, said Andrea Neely, regional development director, UNCF.” “UNCF’s remains steadfast in our mission in providing quality education, investing in our youth- secures better futures for us all.”
Lori Wilson, WISH-TV anchor and J. Anthony Brown, actor and comedian from the Tom Joyner Morning show, will serve as masters of ceremonies. The evening will feature a silent and live auction, paddle raise, dinner, dancing and entertainment by Grammy-nominated En Vogue.
“I’m excited to be a part of the UNCF Masked Ball Gala in The Hoosier state, Indianapolis, Indiana, said Brown” “Being a part of a gala of this magnitude is extremely welcoming and exciting. UNCF is an organization that I have had the pleasure of watching to grow and thrive over the past few years. I have no doubt in my mind that the UNCF will continue to be exactly what it has always been... and that’s purposeful in everything that they do. On Dec 3rd, I’m looking forward to doing my thing in a way that only I can. Watch out there now!!”
For more information on sponsorship or how to support the area office of UNCF, please visit: uncf.org/Indianapolis.
About UNCF
UNCF 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 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.
Cynetra Mcmillian, UNCF, http://www.uncf.org, +1 (202) 854.0007, [email protected]
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