2016 Miami UNCF/Florida Memorial University Masked Ball set for Oct. 8
MIAMI (PRWEB) September 12, 2016 -- 2016 Miami UNCF/Florida Memorial University
Masked Ball set for Oct. 8
Top Miami Public and Private Sector Leaders Unite to Support Fundraising Efforts
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and its member institution Florida Memorial University will host the second annual Miami UNCF Masked Ball to help raise funds for scholarships and UNCF-member institutions that enable UNCF to help deserving Miami students get to and through college.
Civic, business and educational leaders across South Florida will gather at 7 p.m., Oct. 8, at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Calvin Hughes, a news anchor at Local 10 News, will serve as master of ceremonies. The event will feature a parade of dignitaries and masks, elegant dining and entertainment by the Infinity Show Band.
The Miami UNCF Masked Ball will honor local community members and businesses that support UNCF’s efforts while providing opportunities for networking with top Miami public and private sector leaders. The host committee is led by Russell Benford, deputy mayor, Miami-Dade County; Roslyn Clark Artis, Ph.D., Ed.D., president, Florida Memorial University; and Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF.
The UNCF Masked Ball is one of the organization’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.
“The partnership and support of UNCF-member institution Florida Memorial University encompasses the determining spirit of UNCF,” Lomax said. “Translating into $250,000 raised last year at the inaugural Masked Ball, UNCF and Miami community sponsors remain steadfast in making quality education accessible for minority students. The investment we are making in better futures for them tonight will pay dividends for all of us when they become the next generation of leaders that Miami and the country need in the future.”
Traditionally during the fall season Florida Memorial University hosts a scholarship gala to raise much-needed funds to support its academically promising students. “We are delighted to partner with UNCF to bring its signature Masked Ball event to South Florida,” Artis said. “Our goal is to continue the Florida Memorial University tradition of hosting a scholarship fundraising event, and we look forward to an evening that benefits the phenomenal students we serve.”
The event is chaired by Gabriel Castrillon, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Miami. “The Hyatt Regency Miami is a proud sponsor of the second annual Florida Memorial University / UNCF Miami Masked Ball,” Castrillon said. “This event was a big success last year. This year’s fundraiser financial goal is $375,000. Once again, we are aiming to help like-minded community organizations and to assist Florida Memorial University and UNCF provide scholarships to higher education-bound minority youth.”
MASKED is an acronym meaning Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams. This year the UNCF MASKED Award will be presented to Carnival Foundation for its support of UNCF’s mission of providing educational opportunities and to acknowledge that Carnival Foundation serves as beacon of hope in keeping the doorway of opportunity wide open for deserving minority youth.
For sponsorship or ticket information, please visit UNCF.org/Fort Lauderdale.
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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 program, 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 20 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 more than 1,100 colleges and universities. UNCF is widely recognized for its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Learn more at http://www.uncf.org.
About Florida Memorial University
Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically black institution that offers 42 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its founding in 1879, the university has upheld a commitment to provide a solid foundation for thousands of young people. As South Florida’s only historically black college or university, it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” FMU graduate Barrington Antonio Irving, Jr., the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo, a feat he accomplished in 2007. He is the first Jamaican to accomplish this and a graduate of the Florida Memorial University Aviation Program. The campus is also home to the Trayvon Martin Foundation and the SEED School of Miami.
Cynetra Mcmillian, UNCF, http://www.uncf.org, +1 (202) 854.0007, [email protected]
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