The 10th annual UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball was a huge success, conducted on Feb. 7 at the Hyatt Regency, Dallas. With more than 650 guests in attendance, the event raised $550,000 in cash and in-kind donations, and featured various dignitaries, speakers, an awards presentation and more.
The evening brought together a cross-section of civic leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners and community advocates committed to advancing educational opportunities for students across Texas.
Participants included Lady Jade, host, influencer and media personality; Brittney Johnson, NBC5 news anchor, Lael and Peter Brodsky 2025 Event Chairs passing the torch to Marissa and Michael Horne 2026 Event Chairs; Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas City Manager; Senator Royce West, Texas State Senate, District 23; Pastor Bryan L. Carter, Senior Pastor, Concord Church Dallas and Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF.
(Left to right) Michael Horne, Marissa Horne (The 2026 Ball Chairs), Cortney Lewis Smith (Dallas Area Office Development Director), and Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr. (Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer, UNCF) (Courtesy photo)
In recognition of their outstanding commitment to advancing and supporting higher education, three distinguished recipients were honored with the UNCF Masked Award: Lynn McBee, president and CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network; Doris and Hiawatha Williams, owners of Williams Chicken; and ARCA Continental Coca‑Cola Southwest Beverages.
“The overwhelming support we received at this year’s UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball is a reflection of this region’s deep-rooted commitment to education, community and supporting future leaders,” said Frankie Andres, regional development director, Southern Region, UNCF. “Every dollar raised represents an investment in the future of our students — young people who will go on to lead, innovate and give back to the very communities that helped lift them.”
Major sponsors of the 2026 North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball were Hunt Consolidated, TXU/Vistra, HEB, University of Texas Arlington, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, American Airlines, Comerica, Frost, Greenberg Traurig, Kroger, Lynn McBee, Simmons Bank, Troutman Pepper Locke, Goldman Sachs, Tenet Health, Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Ron Kirk.
“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 to achieve successful careers. We thank everyone in North Texas who participated in the North Texas Ball to help ensure better futures for us all.”
The North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball is still accepting donations. To learn more or to donate, please go to UNCF.org/Dallas.