Last Saturday, the 13th annual UNCF New Orleans Mayor's Masked Ball packed the Hyatt Regency New Orleans and pulled in more than $1 million to benefit historically Black colleges and Louisiana students. The black-tie fundraiser got a major boost when Entergy matched the evening's raise-the-paddle auction, while the program blended student performances, local talent and celebrity tributes. Jon Batiste and Blaine Kern Jr. received UNCF's MASKED Award before DJs Stormy and Raj Smoove closed out the night at the afterparty, as reported by UNCF.
Masks, music and a match that mattered
According to a press release from UNCF, the black-tie gala raised more than $1 million, with Entergy matching the proceeds from the raise-the-paddle segment. UNCF Senior Vice President Therese Badon called the ball "a beacon of hope for the countless students," noting that the money will fund scholarships and provide operational assistance for member HBCUs. The organization also credited sponsors and attendees for helping students get to college and stay there through graduation.
Who was in the room
The MASKED Award honored musician Jon Batiste and Mardi Gras producer Blaine Kern Jr., as reported by MyNewOrleans. Event details show the ball was held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans and featured a VIP reception, followed by dinner, live performances and an auction, per the New Orleans Chamber. Local elected leaders, university presidents and corporate figures rounded out the guest list, underscoring the event's mix of civic muscle and cultural flair.
Where the money goes
As outlined by UNCF, proceeds from the ball will fund scholarships for students and provide operational support for UNCF-member institutions. The organization says it awards more than 11,000 scholarships each year totaling over $62 million and has raised more than $6 billion since its founding in 1944. UNCF stressed that steady local backing is crucial to keeping those opportunities flowing.
A steady spring powerhouse for scholarships
The New Orleans Mayor's Masked Ball is part of UNCF's broader spring fundraising push, which regularly posts six- and seven-figure totals across multiple cities. For added context, UNCF's distributed release on GlobeNewswire reported that the 11th annual New Orleans ball grossed more than $730,000 in 2024, showing that the event has been a dependable local moneymaker. Corporate matches and celebrity honorees have helped turn smaller individual gifts into sizable scholarship pools.
Organizers said last Saturday's total will underwrite scholarships and campus support that help students remain enrolled and cross the graduation stage. UNCF also urged attendees and the wider community to keep backing its mission of making college more attainable for Louisiana students.
