The 40th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball held by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens raised nearly $4 million to help send students to Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
The 40th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball nearly doubled the record for money raised by the event. The money will go toward the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which advocates for and help send students to HBCUs. Atlanta is home to four member HBCUs.
UNCF Assistant Vice President Justine Boyd said,
The 40th annual Mayor’s Masked Ball was unprecedented as the largest fundraiser in the history of this amazing event. It was a smashing success thanks to our donors and friends of UNCF. It was a true testament to the power of unity and philanthropy—a night where success took center stage as the community came together to support Black higher education and empower the next generation. The event is a celebration of generosity, compassion and the unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for all.
Since its start, Atlanta’s event has inspired 18 other cities to do similar ceremonies and has raised over $24 million since 2000. Over $2.3 million has been raised this year for Atlanta-based HBCUs Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University.
Mayor Dickens shared his thoughts on the importance of the annual affair.
“Atlanta residents and businesses have stepped up big this year,” Dickens said. “We would like to close out our 2023 by stepping up for our young scholars. The Mayor’s Masked Ball is so much more than a great dinner and a great time. It is a chance for us to make a difference in a student’s life. I’m understanding that we have raised more than $2.3 million. That’s the largest amount in the history of the United Negro College Fund. I thank every last one of you for coming out tonight and for continuing to support this worthy cause. As the UNCF motto says, ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.’ Thank you everybody.”
Following the campaign, legendary singer Stephanie Mills performed hits from her illustrious career including songs “Never Knew Love Like This,” “A Rush On Me,” and “Home.”
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