Mayor Mike Rawlings hosts fourth annual signature fundraising event

(Black PR WIre) DALLAS—The Dallas community will come together to secure better futures at the UNCF Dallas Mayor’s Masked Ball, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas on Saturday, March 18. Mayor Mike Rawlings, along with event chair Texas State Senator Royce West, will welcome more than 800 guests, including Ambassador Ron Kirk, former U.S. trade representative; Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, City of Plano; Mayor Curtistene McCowan, City of Desoto; and Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO UNCF. 

“I am pleased to host the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. This is the biggest fundraising event in Dallas that supports education for minority students,” said Rawlings. “I am grateful for the sponsors who have invested in the work of UNCF to ensure that more students from Dallas can receive a college education at a historically black college or university. Investing in the college education of our young people will impact Dallas for many generations.” 

“Mayor Rawlings’ support has been unwavering and we are elated to have the mayor join us as host of our signature fundraising event in Dallas,” said Lomax. “Last year, the event raised more than $300,000 in guaranteeing successful lives for our young people and, with the help of the Dallas community, we can continue to build better futures—paying dividends for us all.” 

MASKED is an acronym meaning Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams. This year, the UNCF MASKED Award will be presented to Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, senior pastor, Friendship-West Baptist Church for serving as a beacon of hope in keeping the doorway of opportunity wide open for deserving minority youth. 

With the help of presenting sponsor Hunt Consolidated, Inc., along with major sponsors—including Alpha Epsilon Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; American Airlines, AT&T, Ben E. Keith Company, BNSF Railway, Delta Mu Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Epsilon Pi Boule, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Diane and Mike Gruber, Elrod Johansen Hail Shank LLP, H-E-B, Hillwood: A Perot Company, ISN, NBC 5, Oncor, Deedie Rose & Trinity Park Conservancy, Texas Capital Bank, The Beck Group, The Potter's House of Dallas, Toyota Motor Corporation and Vistra Energy—UNCF North Texas will end their annual campaign successfully. 

“The North Texas community is vital to the success of our annual campaign,” said Kristie Patton Foster, area development director, UNCF. “Last year, UNCF awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships to students in North Texas. When we invest in our young people, we ensure that our communities continue to thrive and secure better futures for us all.” 

Samantha Chapman, reporter for NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies for the event that kicks off with a reception at 6 p.m., dinner and program at 7 p.m. and concludes with the R&B band, Taylor Pace Orchestra. To purchase tickets, and view sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.UNCF.org/DALLASMMB. For additional questions, contact Kristie Patton Foster at Kristie.foster@uncf.org or 972.234.1007. 

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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 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.