Events

Join us for the most highly anticipated fundraising event of the year — the UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball, presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.! The premier fundraising gala and major social event, focuses on raising public awareness and large donations to support deserving students across North Carolina.

Bringing together individuals, small businesses, corporate sponsors, celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, public officials, and alumni who support UNCF’s mission, the evening encourages every attendee to invest in better futures, for all.

**Formal Attire: Black tie (full length gowns and tuxedos) with a twist, guests are encouraged to wear sneakers!

The Columbus UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Columbus UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by national celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Mayor’s Masked Ball, hosted by UNCF – Philadelphia on March 21 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at the elegant Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, located at 1201 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

This enchanting event will feature a live auction filled with exclusive items and experiences, a silent auction brimming with unique treasures, and an exciting raffle that promises thrilling prizes. Attendees will don their finest masks for a night of glamour and philanthropy, all while supporting UNCF’s mission to provide educational opportunities for students in need.

Prepare for an evening of elegance, excitement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in our community!

The 14th Annual Mayor’s Luncheon will serve as a platform to support UNCF’s mission of eliminating financial barriers to higher education for deserving students. Join us for this unique opportunity to connect with corporate, community, civic leaders, and clergy to celebrate and invest in the promise of tomorrow’s leaders.

The 5th Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Jacksonville’s very own Edward Waters University—Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher education.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF and EWU. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

The 3rd Annual UNCF Tampa Bay Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of college education, the students UNCF serves, and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses, and professional organizations, the 3rd Annual UNCF Tampa Bay Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers, and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve by helping them move to and through college.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 2026 UNCF A Mind Is Gala. This prestigious event, supported by leading technology firms, corporate sponsors, local leadership and distinguished individuals, promises an evening of elegance and inspiration. Mingle with local dignitaries, civic leaders, and business executives, all united in their commitment to UNCF’s mission of empowering the next generation through STEM education.

Experience the glamour, the cause, and the community spirit that make this Gala a must-attend affair!

This is more than a Gala – it’s a powerful opportunity to honor legacy, champion excellence and make a lasting difference in our community.

For sponsorship and ticket information, please contact Candy Calhoun at Candy.Calhoun@UNCF.org

Join us on May 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for the highly anticipated UNCF Portland Gala, an evening dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through education.

This remarkable event will take place at the stunning Avenue Portland in the heart of downtown Portland, where attendees will enjoy a night filled with inspiring stories, live entertainment, and the chance to make a difference. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in both a live auction and a silent auction, featuring exclusive items and experiences, all while supporting UNCF’s mission to provide scholarships and educational resources for students of color.

Together, we will celebrate achievements and pave the way for future success—your presence will help transform lives!

Attire is formal cocktail in flowery shades of spring to commemorate our them, Seeds of Hope.

About the UNCF New Jersey Masked Ball

On May 30, 2026, UNCF New Jersey will host its annual Masked Ball, celebrating the organization’s 82nd anniversary. This landmark event provides a special opportunity to honor leaders and organizations within our community whose personal and professional commitments are helping create better futures for young people—across New Jersey and throughout the nation.

Over the years, UNCF New Jersey has recognized outstanding contributors to this mission. Past individual honorees include: Dante Hall, retired NFL wide receiver; Alex Gorsky, former chairman of J&J; Rick Thigpen, EVP and Foundation President, PSE&G; Kevin Cummings, chairman, Investors Bancorp; George D. Martin, retired NY Giants player; Linda Bowden, president, PNC Bank; Darrell K. Terry, Sr., president, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Barnabas Health; Dottie Brienza, Merck; Sheryl Gordon, AFSCME; and Miles Berger, chairman, Berger Organization. Past corporate honorees include Enterprise, J&J, Bayer Corporation, SUEZ, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and PSEG.

Since 1944, UNCF has supported more than 500,000 young men and women on their journey to earning a college degree. Our annual Masked Ball remains a signature fundraising event that directly benefits students attending UNCF-member colleges and universities, as well as nearly 1,100 other colleges across America. It is one of the most meaningful opportunities to invest in Better Futures.

Funds raised through the Masked Ball will help ensure that more young people with limited financial resources have a clear and supported pathway to attend—and graduate from—college.