Masked Ball to Benefit UNCF Unveiled at Philadelphia’s Marriott Downtown
Tanya Amir displays poise and grace befitting her crown and title.
“Though it be a thrilling and marvelous thing to be merely young and gifted in such times, it is doubly so, doubly dynamic, to be young, gifted and Black.” – Lorraine Hansberry
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
March 7th was an extraordinary evening in Philadelphia … as fabulous as the many previous nights’ events I had covered in the city during my several years as a photojournalist.
The eighth annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball held at Center City’s Philadelphia Marriott Downtown was in full swing and shaping up to be far and away a memorable grand time in one gorgeous grand ballroom. Everyone in attendance had gone all-out glam in their sartorial choices and accessories, most especially with decorative and elegant masks. Wine, cocktails and delish bites were sipped and passed. Guests dined and danced. Dignitaries, civic and business leaders, journalists and more waxed articulate and eloquent in their honorary and supportive speeches.
At the time, and while aware of an insidious and imminent health threat unfolding mostly elsewhere, we carried on as usual, carefree, relaxed and partying in style, in the same customarily carefree manner we’d always done. Only hindsight would reveal the mixed bag of memories many would afterward associate with social events in general.
In fact, that gala would become one of the final times I’d take for granted where I sat or stood in proximity to others (extremely close) or even understand that a mask would soon connote more than an item designed as a face-obscuring accessory for entertainment’s sake. Venetian opulence or classic elegance, bling and feathers… those were sort of coverings then adorning our mugs. A virus droplet-filtering face piece known as an N95 or a surgical mask was arguably the furthest thing from anyone’s mind, and you’d best believe such nose and mouth-trapping devices weren’t mentioned in the soiree’s dress code requirements nor toted in any designer clutch next to a tube of Channel lipstick.
As often as I try to reconcile the magic of that evening with what became mere weeks later a countrywide lockdown necessitated by the pandemic’s emergence, I cannot (and I know I speak for many in stating this) wrap my mind around what’s transpiring. The Mayor’s Masked Ball just happened to be one of the final shiny-happy-peopled social events I would attend in Philadelphia or anywhere and to date, for that matter. It’s now more challenging to relate to items such as make-up, high heels, sequined cocktail dresses, flutes of bubbly, hors d’oeuvres and hugging or hand-shaking for photo ops. In a recent photograph of myself at home, I’m bare-faced and braless, dressed in something akin to a Muumuu and holding a chicken that had recently delivered two farm-fresh eggs to this country-mouse writer. My smile is genuine-the real deal, radiating joy despite (or maybe because of?) dire state-of-the-world concerns. Even quarantine-generated greying and scraggly hair cannot erase my glowing and animal-loving, nature-girl self. Did you find a silver lining as well in your pandemic shut-in experience?
But I digress heavily albeit understandably, so let’s return to a night only months back, but one that could eerily pass for a decade ago. If you don’t know about the Mayor’s Masked Ball, here’s a once upon a time recap.
Each year, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) along with the Office of the City Representative, presents a gala filled with festivities such as a Parade of Masks, VIP Reception, red-carpet photo ops, dress-to-impress formality of black-tie and gown level, a march of drummers, in-house musicians, who set the mood as guests sashay in their finery at the reception area just outside the ballroom, mingling, meeting, greeting, sipping spirits and grazing bites. There’s a sumptuous dinner, a DJ and dancing, speechifying, award announcements, honorees lauded and you’ll even see a host of crowns and sashes befitting the chosen ones in roles such as Mrs. All American Woman and Mister and Miss Cheyney University.
And oh, the masks you’ll clock! Like snowflakes, they are all uniquely unique. But wait, there are also auctions both silent and live, exquisite floral arrangements, dignitaries, public officials, alumni, accomplished speakers, leaders of major organizations that support and fund the UNCF’s mission, which and in part, is geared to help students realize their dreams of attending college via scholarships and more, all with the ultimate pay-it-forward dividend that these students play a major role in the success of America’s future. Not to be overlooked are the many volunteers who ensure the event is always a smashing success along with sponsors who don’t have to be asked twice to support this important and worthwhile cause.
The UNCF scholarship recipients make both their way and marks in the world, assuming industry leadership roles. So much of their successes come from your role when you support the 2020 Mayor’s Masked Ball. Students who attend HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) display pride and joy as they witness generous supporters being honored for bestowing on them what amounts to the chance of a lifetime. It’s the good fortune to grab that brass ring and use the opportunity as a springboard to success. It’s the kind of success that enables others to one day do the same, exponentially paying it forward for having remembered what it was like to achieve their own dreams by dint of the charity and kindness of others. Kindness, motivation and inspiration in these young men and women’s lives matter so very much.
Event emcees were NBC10’s meteorologist Brittney Ship and co-anchor Jacqueline London, and DJ Touch Tone kicked it with the entertainment. Included in the 700 or so guests were Mayor Jim Kenney, UNCF’s president and CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax, Ramona Risco Benson, director, PECO Energy, John McNichol, president and CEO at Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and Salvatore J. Patti, senior VP, PNC Wealth Management. UNCF honorees were Stephanie Mays Boyd, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Dr. Edith Mitchell, director, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and The Philadelphia Foundation.
I don’t have to tell you how it all rather suddenly went from belle-of-the-ball self presentations to low-maintenance lifestyles with uber casual wear the new normal. Even clucking with chickens could easily become par for this quarantine course. Buh-bye for now to evenings-out genteel speak with snippets of gossip. Time, as it always does, will tell when, where and if we meet again “the way we were.” In the lyrics of Enya, “Who can say where the road goes, where the day flows, only time.”
I am certainly hoping for more carefree events and evenings with a return to form similar to before (hope springs eternal)… long before the word pandemic entered our eggs/bacon/coffee and news morning routines and existence. Mask up, folks. The Mayor’s Masked Ball wouldn’t have it any other way. We definitely want to attend a 9th annual iteration, as there is much work yet to be done by way of assistance (financial and otherwise) and encouragement for our nation’s Black youth. Stay safe and healthy, all. Here’s to more toasts and fundraising come 2021’s always highly anticipated social event.
To learn more about how you could step up and impact a deserving young person’s life, visit uncf.org.
Sponsors matter so very much … check out this honor roll.
A beautiful yellow floral display caught between candlelight “suns” it up.
With all manner of intricate masks available for purchase, there was no excuse to show your face.
Elegance in taste and style from flowers to fashion was on display at check-in locations.
There’s a special flair to this guest’s poise and confident pose. In other words, she owns it.
From left, Letty Santarelli and Host Mayor Jim Kenney look respectively glamorous and black-tie debonair.
Some masks “halved” to be seen to be truly appreciated. This one’s a particularly intriguing example.
Bartenders at the ready to enliven you with spirits.
The venue was glam-packed, as evidenced by this quartet of ladies and a gentleman.
This pair stepped out and stunned with gorgeous attire, accessories and beautiful smiles (always the best accessory, in my book).
Dressed to slay the night away in classic, chic black- forever a statement-maker.
From left, NBC10’s Steve Sosna and Jonathan Lovitz are captured just arriving on the scene.
Keyboard player and bassist set the entertainment groove. Note the playful ebony and ivory socks.
Percussionist strikes the rhythm that gets the crowd foot-tapping.
Pleasant servers begin to circulate with mouth-watering light bites.
The signs says it all, and it’s all good … and soon to be gone! Very popular eats item.
This elegant couple was only too happy to pose, while I was more than pleased to capture their radiance and style.
This pair radiates poise, confidence and glamour.
Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess is a belle of the ball natural. The gentleman more than holds his own.
From left, Tanya L. Amir and Sharon Kozden are captured in a meet and greet moment.
Crispy-coated, skewered and ready to dip into a sweet-and-sour sauce.
Signage announces VIP’s are in the house for an absolutely first-rate fete.
Another group of attendees knocking it out of the dressed-to-the-nines ballpark. All wore masks.
This woman’s mask was my personal favorite; her partner’s ranked right up there, too. So lacy and delicate.
In the company of the crown, each of these ladies is a jewel.
With feather boa, peacock-feathered mask, dangling earring and a sequined dress, this guest is a show-stopper.
Amazing drumline surprises the VIP reception attendees with a carpet-cascade of percussive groove.
Standout gold for the ladies paired perfectly with their men in black.
No masks? We’ll catch up with you later. Either way, sharp-dressed and ready to enjoy a party are Marc and Pamela Jenkins.
Royal purple with a heavily feathered maroon mask draw immediate attention. Here are Rafaela Torres and Philadelphia Foundation’s Pedro Ramos (the Foundation was honored that evening).
Bright lights shine on this stunner!
Fabulous floral arrangements flank the podium, where Mayor Kenney would take the stage to address the packed crowd, who dined on the finest Philly had to offer.
Smiles abound all around. Who doesn’t love a ball and a chance to doll or don up for an evening?
Mrs. All American Woman poses for photo ops on the red carpet.
Jeff Guaracino, President & CEO Visit Philadelphia (holding mask) happily poses with ball attendees, all of whom are dressed to the nines, smiles included.
The interior ballroom, where the actual event was held, finds invited guests departing the VIP reception in search of their assigned seats.
The sit-down dinner featured a program which included a Parade of Masks, silent and live auctions, dancing, speeches, honorees and more.
The tablescaping was as elegant and formal as was the guests’ attire!
From Left, Miss Cheyney University Kiyana Roberts and Mister Cheyney University Errol Gordon represent well the University’s blue and white.
These drummers put on one scene-stealing performance! Catching them for a group pose post-bangin’.
There was a seemingly endless and extensive array of items on display for the live and silent auctions-something for everyone, and here’s just one example.
Here’s hoping the 2021 Mayor’s Masked Ball finds us all safe and healthy and back in the ballroom, raising toasts along with more funds to support the UNCF.
