2022 Hampton Roads Mayors’ Masked Ball

Special To the New Journal and Guide

HAMPTON ROADS, VA
The 5th Annual Hampton Roads UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball took place in Hampton Roads, Virginia on Saturday night. Dana Brown, Area Development Director and Dianna Ruffin, Development Associate went into the Ball having reach their $300,000 goal, with $308,4000 already on the books. They raised $15,141 in auction revenue and donations the night of the event. To date, the Hampton Roads UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball has grossed $323,541 and still counting.

Over 540 guests, excited to be in-person once again dressed in their finest black-tie attire were in attendance including Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Mayor Donnie R. Tuck, City of Hampton, Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, City of Virginia Beach, Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, City of Norfolk, Mayor Shannon E. Glover, City of Portsmouth, Mayor McKinley L. Price, DDS, City of Newport News and several local city council members and officials.

In addition, there were presidents from four of the five Virginia HBCU’s in attendance: Dr. William R. Harvey, President, Hampton University, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President, Norfolk State University, Dr. Kathy Franklin, President, Virginia University of Lynchburg, Makola Abdullah and President, Virginia State University. Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President of Virginia Union University, UNCF-Member Institution, shared a video greeting with guests in his absence.

The evening began with a masquerade reception, red carpet photos, silent auction, and live entertainment by Saxophonist Rick Elliot. This was followed by an elegant, seated dinner. A Hampton University student and UNCF scholarship recipient shared a heartfelt testimonial. One of the event partners, Truist, presented UNCF Virginia with a $1,000 scholarship.

The 2022 UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Awards program followed honoring four outstanding individuals: Mark Crump, State Farm; Dr. William R. Harvey, President of Hampton University; Mark Johnson, Truist and Toiya Sosa, Riverside Health System. The event culminated in a live celebration for honorees and support of UNCF and its member institutions!

A special thanks to the Virginia Leadership Council, Mayoral Host Committee and Hampton Roads Planning Committee for helping execute this event and ensuring guest had an amazing evening.