UNCF 34th Annual Atlanta Mayor's Masked Ball Dec. 16

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Diane Larche’

Larche' Communications LLC

404 273-3227

diane@larchecommunications.com

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Celebrates 34 Years

Corporate Leaders Rodney Bullard, Ted Blum and Wendy Stewart

Are Honorary Co-Chairs

Actor/Singer Tyrese Gibson to Perform and Serve as Celebrity Co-Chair

(Atlanta GA) Rodney Bullard, vice president of community affairs at Chick-fil-A, Inc. and executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation; Ted Blum, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Atlanta office and chair of the firm's Atlanta Corporate and Securities Practice and Wendy Stewart, president, Atlanta Market Bank of America, were officially announced today as the honorary co-chairs of the 34th Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor's Masked Ball. Actor/Singer Tyrese Gibson is the honorary celebrity co-chair. The formal affair, UNCF's signature fundraising gala and premier social event of the holiday season, will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017, 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.

"We are thrilled to have three of Atlanta's most distinguished corporate leaders and one of the nation’s leading actor and singer to join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as honorary co-chairs of our annual major fundraiser. Last year, Atlanta made history as having the first UNCF event to net $1million. Over1200 guests including fifteen college presidents, students, corporate leaders, celebrities, community partners and sponsors were in attendance in support of our 37 UNCF member colleges and universities, four of which are right here in Atlanta,” said Justine Boyd, UNCF Regional Development Director.

In addition, last year’s co-chairs Brannigan Thompson, senior vice president, Voya Financial and Donta’ Wilson, senior executive vice president and chief client experience officer, BB&T are honorees this year.

Entertainment will be provided by Celebrity Co-Chair R & B Recording Artist Tyrese Gibson.

UNCF is helping to prepare young men and women for the work force by providing assistance for text books and other college costs. As a result of the success of the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Atlanta, thousands of students have a brighter future because of the support they have received. More than 600 students in the past few years attending UNCF member schools were either able to attend college and or continue their college education without interruption of financial challenges.

Started 34 years ago by former Mayor Andrew Young and Billye S. Aaron, the Ball is hosted by the city's current Mayor and is largely supported by local corporate and civic entities. A much anticipated holiday event that raises unrestricted dollars for UNCF's support for local students, the Ball attracts a diverse array of attendees from across the metropolitan area, including local celebrities, dignitaries, civic and elected officials.

Page 2 – UNCF 33rd Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball

Ball highlights include a performance by a major entertainer, The VIP Masked Award Reception, Silent Holiday Auction, Red Carpet Parade of Stars, Dignitaries and Dividends, Elegant Dining, Parade of Masks, Dancing and Live entertainment.

Tickets may be purchased on line at www.uncf.org or call 404 302-8623.

About UNCF

UNCF (the 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, supports and 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 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

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