UNCF Celebrates 75 Years of Lighting the Way to Better Futures

NEW ORLEANS, March 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For 75 years, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has supported hundreds of thousands of deserving students, private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and advocated for minority higher education. As it marks such a major milestone, UNCF will celebrate all year long via its fundraising events across the country including the New Orleans UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball set for 7 p.m., Saturday, March 16. Nearly 1,000 attendees are expected to attend the annual signature fundraiser including the honorable Mayor LaToya Cantrell, city of New Orleans; master of ceremonies comedian Jonathan Slocumb; and many other community and civic leaders. Entertainment will be provided by Grammy® Award-winning artist Kenneth "BabyFace" Edmonds.

"UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has been doing vital work for 75 years, supporting our HBCUs and making it possible for students to achieve their potential," said Mayor Cantrell. "The work this organization does is an investment in our next generation of trailblazers and young leaders, and it makes a real impact on our community, on our families and on our city."

Chaired by Michael O. Smith, general manager Hyatt Regency New Orleans, and Warner L. Thomas, president and CEO, Ochsner Health System, the signature black-tie gala will feature both silent and live auctions, a feast designed by James Beard Award recipient Chef Leah Chase, and much more. Benefitting HBCUs, events like the New Orleans Mayor's Masked Ball helped UNCF provide more than $636,000 in scholarships last year to students from New Orleans.

Thanks to the publication of UNCF's landmark report, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the public good served by HBCUs is now known. Louisiana's six HBCUs, including UNCF-member institutions Xavier University of Louisiana and Dillard University, annually generate $923 million in total economic impact and 8,454 jobs to the state. HBCUs are also vital to the well-being of the communities they have served for more 100 years.

"UNCF is committed to providing our students with the necessary tools to succeed," said LaJuana Chenier, regional development director, UNCF. "We are guaranteed an electrifying evening at the Mayor's Masked Ball, as UNCF supporters and stakeholders come together to invest in better futures for us all."

For the first-time ever, UNCF will also host the Mask Off After-Party, an event for young professionals to celebrate for a great cause. "This new experience will immediately follow the main event," Chenier explained. "We think this unique party will be a way to have fun while also giving back to the next generation of leaders."

For being beacons of hope and supporters of UNCF's mission, the UNCF Masked Award honorees for the evening are Gayle Benson, owner, NFL New Orleans Saints and NBA New Orleans Pelicans; and Grammy® Award winner PJ Morton. Event sponsors include presenting sponsor, Ochsner Health System; and marquis sponsors, Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans, WDSU-TV, Karen and Henry Coaxum, Donna and Paul Flower, Sherry and Alan Leventhal, members of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans Development Team, Mardi Gras Productions and the New Orleans Saints, among others.

To purchase tickets or donate today, visit UNCF.org/NewOrleans. Follow this event on social media @UNCF #UNCFNewOrleans #UNCF #UNCF75.

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 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. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 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 Twitter at @UNCF

SOURCE United Negro College Fund, Inc.

Related Links

www.uncf.org