2016 Miami UNCF/Florida Memorial University Masked Ball set for Oct. 8

2016 Miami UNCF/Florida Memorial University Masked Ball set for Oct. 8

Top Miami public and private sector leaders unite to support fundraising efforts

MIAMI, FL — United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and its member institution Florida Memorial University (FMU) will host the second annual Miami UNCF Masked Ball to help raise funds for scholarships and UNCF-member institutions that enable UNCF to help deserving Miami students get to and through college.

Civic, business and educational leaders across South Florida will gather at 7 p.m., Oct. 8, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Miami. Calvin Hughes, a news anchor at Local 10 News, will serve as master of ceremonies. The event will feature a parade of dignitaries and masks, elegant dining and entertainment by the Infinity Show Band.

The Miami UNCF Masked Ball will honor local community members and businesses that support UNCF’s efforts while providing opportunities for networking with top Miami public and private sector leaders. The host committee is led by Russell Benford, deputy mayor, Miami-Dade County; Roslyn Clark Artis, Ph.D., Ed.D., president, FMU; and Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF.

The UNCF Masked Ball is one of the organization’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

“The partnership and support of UNCF-member institution Florida Memorial University encompasses the determining spirit of UNCF,” Lomax said. “Translating into $250,000 raised last year at the inaugural Masked Ball, UNCF and Miami community sponsors remain steadfast in making quality education accessible for minority students. The investment we are making in better futures for them tonight will pay dividends for all of us when they become the next generation of leaders that Miami and the country need in the future.”

Traditionally during the fall season FMU hosts a scholarship gala to raise much-needed funds to support its academically promising students. “We are delighted to partner with UNCF to bring its signature Masked Ball event to South Florida,” Artis said. “Our goal is to continue the Florida Memorial University tradition of hosting a scholarship fundraising event, and we look forward to an evening that benefits the phenomenal students we serve.”

The event is chaired by Gabriel Castrillon, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Miami. “The Hyatt Regency Miami is a proud sponsor of the second annual Florida Memorial University / UNCF Miami Masked Ball,” Castrillon said. “This event was a big success last year. This year’s fundraiser financial goal is $375,000. Once again, we are aiming to help like-minded community organizations and to assist Florida Memorial University and UNCF provide scholarships to higher education-bound minority youth.”

MASKED is an acronym meaning Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams. This year the UNCF MASKED Award will be presented to Carnival Foundation for its support of UNCF’s mission of providing educational opportunities and to acknowledge that Carnival Foundation serves as beacon of hope in keeping the doorway of opportunity wide open for deserving minority youth.

For sponsorship or ticket information, please visit UNCF.org/Fort Lauderdale.