In one of her final official duties, outgoing Mayor Shirley Franklin joined Mayor-elect Kasim Reed and former Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young for the Holiday Silent Auction, the Pre-Ball Reception and the spectacular “Parade of the Masks” that highlighted the dizzying array of elegant costumes. Guests shelled out $500 for the tickets that go to support the UNCF and Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs).
“Oh it’s just a great event. All the mayors are here that did so much for Atlanta,” said Rush Hour franchise star Chris Tucker. “And the foundation, the organization [UNCF] is here and it’s just a great to be [here].”
Some celebs took pains to illuminate the paramount importance of the evening, despite the festive ambience.
“When it comes to education, there is no other avenue in life,” said actress Terri Vaughn, best known for her role on “The Steve Harvey Show” and who now stars on “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns.” “A young person has to get an education. And if you are in school you have to do the best that you can. And that is what catapults you into how well you are going to do in life and what you are going to do in your career, how successful you will or will not be. It all starts with education. Period.”
Kim Coles, who rose to stardom in the sitcom “Living Single” said she makes it her priority to support the Ball, the UNCF and our future. “It’s a party with a purpose, and it’s giving to all these amazing young hearts and young minds. It’s really about securing our future. It’s an investment; it’s a donation, but it’s an investment in our future. We raise these young people the right way, they will in turn save us and save the world. Because I’m going to be old one day and I’m going to need these young whippersnappers to take care of the world that I’ve built.” –terry shropshire (To see the entire photo gallery, click on photos or www.photos.rollingout.com).
