UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball Los Angeles is Investing in America's Future

    LOS ANGELES, CA, February 19, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Saturday, February 24th marks the seventh annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball in Los Angeles at the J.W. Marriott at 6 p.m. The joyful celebration of education, excellence, and service is becoming one of Los Angeles' signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $4.8 billion in private funds leading to over 445,000 college degrees. UNCF has become the leading scholarship entity for minority students outside of the federal government and is a powerful advocate for education, access, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The annual event, hosted for the second year by veteran actress, singer, and producer, Dawnn Lewis aims to help provide Los Angeles students the resources to attend college, graduate, and become leaders in their communities.

"We have a responsibility to our community -- those who don't know about UNCF -- to educate them. It's so important for children who may not be financially privileged to know that there's nothing that can stop them from pursuing their educational dreams because they have a tool called UNCF," says LaDoris McClaney.

"UNCF plays a critical role in the black community, providing young people access to a quality education. And when young people have an education, they have the power to create great change in the world," says Lena Kennedy

This year, UNCF LA will honor two extraordinary women leaders whose lives of service and leadership inspire us all, Lena L. Kennedy, businesswoman, civic leader and philanthropist; and Dr. La-Doris McClaney, entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. Both will be recognized with the UNCF Masked Award for their dedication to and support for our community, HBCUs, and UNCF whose mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates.

"It has never been more important to ensure that young leaders of color are educated, cultivated, and empowered to take their place in leadership in our city and in our nation. At UNCF, we are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity to reach her or his potential-- for their sake, and for ours," says Jennifer Childress, UNCF Los Angeles Area Director, Development.

In addition to honoring Kennedy and McClaney, the black-tie, masked affair will feature a live auction, elegant dining, dancing, live entertainment performed by soul signer MAJOR and special guests President of the Los Angeles City Council Herb Wesson, Estelle, Terrence J., DeWanda Wise, Aldis Hodge, Selita Ebanks, Laura Govan, Edwin Hodge, National Action Network President, Rev. Shane Harris, Transgender Activist, Ashlee Marie Preston, and Producer and writer, Janine Sherman Barrois.

UNCF aims to ensure that our network of 37 member HBCUs is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarships, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment and curriculum and faculty development programs. UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.uncf.org/losangeles
Follow this event on social media @UNCF_LA #byLAforLA #UNCFMaskedBallLA

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. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in." Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter @UNCF.

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