It’s one of Atlanta’s most talked about events of the holiday season; the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Co-hosted by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax and UNCF EVP Maurice Jenkins, the 31st Annual charity event was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Grammy Award-winning Chaka Khan, the Queen of Funk performed her roof-raising musical hits for more than 1,200 ticketed guests. She also received the Phoenix Award.
“The Mayor’s Masked Ball is always a spectacular evening supported by the leaders of Atlanta who share in our efforts to raise funds for the education of college students attending UNCF schools, four that are right there in Atlanta ” Dr. Lomax said in a statement to press. “The ball is UNCF’s signature event and significant opportunity to keep students in school and to help them graduate and go on to secure successful professional careers.”
UNCF, short for United Negro College Fund, is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Their mission is too 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.
The 2014 gala’s co-chairs were Erica Qualls-Beatty, general manager of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis; Mr. Ed Baker, publisher of the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Mr. Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., president, TWD, Inc. Guests also enjoyed music performed throughout the evening by the Clark Atlanta University Jazz Orchestra.
(Photos by Robin Lori for Steed Media Service)
