UNCF’s 13th New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball Raises Over $1M to Support HBCUs and Louisiana Students

 A night of elegance and generosity delivering impact for students across Louisiana and empowering the next generation of leaders

The 13th annual UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball was a smashing success, held on Saturday, March 7, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The black‑tie gala brought in over $1 million, boosted by Entergy’s generous contribution that matched the proceeds of the event’s raise-the-paddle auction. Funds raised help support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the deserving students they serve.

The event was hosted by the Honorable Helena Moreno, mayor, City of New Orleans, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF, Therese Badon, UNCF senior vice president and Bridget Fleury, UNCF area development director.

Anthony Anderson, award-winning actor and comedian, and Kevin Frazier, Emmy award-winning journalist and co-host of the #1 syndicated news magazine show, Entertainment Tonight, brought energy, humor and inspiration as the event’s emcees. It was a night of celebration and giving as attendees gathered to support education and the future of our youth.

Jon Batiste, eight-time Grammy^®, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer, and Blaine Kern, Jr., President, Mardi Gras Productions, received the prestigious UNCF MASKED Award for their talent, leadership, and commitment to community and the mission of education. Both honorees exemplify the very best of this city. Adding to the evening’s excitement, the Grammy^®-winning Hot 8 Brass Band and students from the jazz and dance departments from Jon Batiste’s alma mater, NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), gave electrifying performances. The evening ended with a music mix experience with New Orleans natives DJ Stormy and DJ Raj Smoove bringing authentic Big Easy energy and a vibrant soundtrack to one of the city’s most anticipated philanthropic celebrations.

Notable guests attending the event included Lynn Whitfield, legendary actress and Louisiana native; Gayle Benson, owner New Orleans Saints and Pelicans and event chair; Scott Snipes, event chair and general manager Hyatt Regency New Orleans; U.S. Congressman Troy Carter; newly-appointed Archbishop James F. Checchio, Archdiocese of New Orleans, Dr. Monique Guillory, UNCF-member president, Dillard University, Dr. C. Reynold Verret, UNCF-member president, Xavier University of Louisiana, Henry and Karen Coaxum, Coaxum Enterprises, Dr. Eboni Price-Haywood, medical director for Ochsner Health, Drew Marsh, Entergy chair and CEO and his wife Lynn Marsh,  Marcus Brown, Entergy executive legal advisor, and his wife, the Honorable Nanette Brown, U.S. District Court judge. The ball welcomed a diverse and influential audience including celebrities, corporate executives, faith-based leaders, elected officials and community supporters, committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to succeed.

“The New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball, UNCF’s premier fundraising event, is more than an evening of elegance—it’s a beacon of hope for the countless students striving to achieve their dreams,” said UNCF Senior Vice President Therese Badon. “New Orleans shows up for our students and we’re grateful for the incredible support that makes this an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact.”

The UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball was made possible by generous sponsors, including Hyatt Regency New Orleans, the presenting sponsor and marquis sponsors Coaxum Enterprises, Encore, Entergy, Mardi Gras Productions, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, Ochsner Health and WWL-TV. “UNCF is proud to continue the momentum of fueling HBCUs with vital resources to educate generations of students who will become future leaders in our nation,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. “Thanks to the generous support and commitment of our donors, we are moving forward as we help students go to and through college and on to successful careers. We thank everyone who participated in the UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball to help ensure better futures for us all”.

Proceeds from the event will support scholarships for students and operational assistance for UNCF-member colleges. The UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball is still accepting donations. To learn more or to donate, please go to UNCF.

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About UNCF

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.