UNCF Masked Ball Raises More Than $1 Million for HBCUs

UNCF Senior VP Therese Badon, UNCF Masked Award Honoree Jon Batiste, UNCF President & CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax, and Mayor Helena Moreno

The 13th annual UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball, held earlier this month at the Hyatt Regency, brought in over $1 million, boosted by Entergy's donation that matched the proceeds of the event’s raise-the-paddle auction. Funds raised help support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the students they serve.

The event was hosted by New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno, along with UNCF’s Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, Therese Badon, senior vice president, and Bridget Fleury, area development director.

Anthony Anderson, award-winning actor and comedian, and Kevin Frazier, Emmy award-winning journalist and co-host of Entertainment Tonight, brought 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.

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.

“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.”

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.