The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Birmingham hosted its annual Masked Ball at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom Saturday, March 8. As the nation’s oldest and most successful minority education assistance organization, UNCF’s mission is increasing minority degree attainment by providing financial support to 37 member institutions.

This year’s program also featured the presentation of the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to retired Alabama Power CEO Charles McCrary. “The best way to ensure success for tomorrow is to invest in our children today,” McCrary said.

The Masked Ball is one of the Magic City’s premier social occasions and leading black-tie fundraisers of the year. Additional event features included a masked auction and presentation, reception and elegant dining. Birmingham Water Works Board Vice President Sherry Lewis served as the chairwoman and Mayor William A. Bell Sr. as an honorary chairman.

UNCF leadership set a 2014 event fundraising goal of $500,000. Area Development Director Walvid King announced that night that $470,000 of that goal had been reached. The event also featured a call for audience members to donate to UNCF. “These proceeds will allow UNCF to extend thousands of dollars in support of students from Alabama, helping them to pursue a college education,” said King.

The R&B group The O’Jays – consisting of Eddie Levert Sr., Walter Williams Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant – performed some of their hit songs after the program ended. The singers performed hit records such as “Stairway to Heaven,” “Family Reunion,” “Love Train” and “For the Love of Money.” Levert, one of the original founding members, was born in Bessemer.

Key sponsors of this year’s event include Alabama Power, ARCADIS, ACIPCO, Birmingham Airport Authority, Birmingham Mayor’s Office and City Council, Regions Bank, Mercedes-Benz International and The Lewis Group.