PHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) March 22, 2018
Held March 24 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the UNCF Philadelphia Mayor’s Masked Ball aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the resources to be successful in today’s climate. Culminating an end-of-the-year campaign focused on enlightening the country on the importance and significant impact of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), 650 education leaders, community influencers and civic officials, including event host, the Honorable Jim Kenney, city of Philadelphia; honorees Dr. William R. Hite Jr., superintendent, school district of Philadelphia; Sheinelle Jones, weekend host, “NBC Weekend Today;” Paul A. Tufano, chairman & CEO, AmeriHealth Caritas and Parx Casino will come together to raise funding for students and HBCUs. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF, will also be in attendance.
“This will be an impactful evening, because our HBCUs and our students need our support more than ever before,” said Lomax. “We’ll be paying tribute to shining examples who have not only fought for change, but who have activated others to fight for change. More importantly, we will raise our honorees up as examples of how individuals, organizations and corporations can change lives, change the country … and activate the rest of us to follow their example.”
“Education is the ticket to social and professional advancement,” said Mr. Tufano. “UNCF has dramatically improved the outcomes for generations of African Americans by making quality higher education accessible. It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that has changed lives, and our nation, for the better.”
Benefiting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), UNCF aims to change the narrative of HBCUs across the nation by equipping minority students with the resources necessary to transition into college and, ultimately, the workforce.
With the help of the greater Pennsylvania area, $3,265,391 was awarded last year in scholarships and programs to HBCUs such as Delaware State University and Lincoln University. And now, with the release of UNCF’s new publication, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, we know graduates from these HBCUs contributed $243 million to the total economy of Pennsylvania.
The event is made possible with the unwavering support from our sponsors, including presenting sponsors PECO, AmeriHealth Caritas, Parx Casino and Independence Blue Cross and co-sponsor Jefferson University Hospitals.
“At PECO, we are passionate about providing resources that support our youths’ academic achievement and also investing in those who will shape our future,” said PECO president and CEO, Craig Adams. “We are proud to partner with the UNCF, as they continue to maintain a rich legacy of supporting students’ efforts to achieve success in the classroom and beyond.”
“We are extremely grateful to Mayor Kenney and our incredible sponsors for lending their time and resources to secure a better future for us all through education,” said Greg Lyles, area development director, UNCF.”
UNCF’s Mayor’s Masked Ball kicks off with a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7 p.m. and concludes with Grammy-Award nominated singer, songwriter and producer Eric Roberson and the UNCF Band. Mr. Roberson will also join Rick Williams of 6ABC as co-master of ceremonies.
For more information or to purchase a ticket to the Ball, which are $225 each, please visit: http://www.uncf.org/ or contact Carolyn-starling-love(at)uncf(dot)org or 215.925.9044.
Unable to attend, but want to make a difference in a student’s life? Text UNCFPHL to 50555
To stay connected to UNCF throughout the year, please visit: uncf.org/philadelphia
Follow this event @uncf #MMBPHL
About UNCF
UNCF (the 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, supports and 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 17 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 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. 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 UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @UNCF.