UNCF supports more than 55,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country.

Press Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- UNCF in Indianapolis is preparing to welcome five-time Grammy Award winning R&B artist Al Jarreau. Jarreau will perform at UNCF's 2nd Annual Masked Ball. The event, scheduled for November 21, 2009, will raise much-needed funds to support students who attend UNCF's member colleges and universities-including 267 students from Indiana.

"We are extremely excited to welcome Al Jarreau to this year's Indianapolis Masked Ball," said Andrea Neely, UNCF's Indiana Area Development Director. "The combination of his iconic status in the music industry and the bachelor's and master's degrees he earned send an eloquent message to young people about the level of success attainable through hard work and education."

Several local dignitaries are scheduled to appear at the event,
including:
* Indiana Congressman Andre Carson
* Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman
* Indiana House Representative Gregory Porter
* Pike Township School Superintendent Nathaniel Jones
* Indianapolis Radio-One Director of Strategic Research Amos C.
Brown III
* WTHR-TV Anchor Andrea Morehead
* USA Funds President and CEO Carl C. Dalstrom
* United Water President Contract Services Thomas Brown
* WellPoint Vice President, Specialty Pharmacy Tracy Nolan
* Eli Lilly Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Derica Rice

Additionally, national dignitaries are also scheduled to appear at the
event, including:
* Senior Vice President; UNCF's Northern Field Operations James N. Austin
* International Grand Basileus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Sheryl P. Underwood

The UNCF Masked Ball, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on November 21, is being held at the Downtown Marriott Hotel at 350 W. Maryland Street in Indianapolis. This event is presented by USA Funds, with vice-chairs Eli Lilly, United Water and WellPoint. In addition to the entertainment provided by Mr. Jarreau, the affair will include elegant dining, a silent auction and reception.

Corporate tables and individual tickets for the event are still available. For additional information on the Indianapolis Masked Ball, contact the UNCF Indianapolis area office at 317-283-3920.

About UNCF: UNCF--the United Negro College Fund--is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 55,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."(r) Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

Source: United Negro College Fund