LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - February 25, 2014) - UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, will host the third annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball Los Angeles on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Millennial Biltmore Hotel. The event begins at 7 p.m. and proceeds from the night will go to support UNCF students in the Los Angeles area and around the country. Edison International's Chairman, President and CEO Ted Craver and actor, author and philanthropist Hill Harper will be honored at the Ball. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will be present for special remarks and recognition by Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF.
"The UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball is a chance for anybody who values students and education to have a great time supporting a great cause," said Lomax. "UNCF is grateful to Mayor Garcetti and the Los Angeles community for making our cause their priority. The investment in a better future for our students and our community is one we cannot afford to pass over. The funds raised at this event will produce college graduates that will pay dividends for the city of Los Angeles and the country."
"The UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball brings together Los Angeles leaders who are committed to education and to helping the next generation of doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, business executives and entrepreneurs get the education they need to compete in a global economy," said Curtis Silvers Jr., UNCF area director, Los Angeles.
Craver is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, one of the nation's largest electric utilities, Edison Energy and Edison Mission Group (EMG). He was elected chairman and CEO in August 2008.
Under Craver's leadership, Edison International has made support for higher education, particularly programs that help students excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), one of its priority giving areas. In 2013, Edison contributed $10.7 million to support education programs and scholarships to help underrepresented students pursue degrees in the STEM fields.
Craver serves on numerous boards, including the Board and Executive Committee of the Edison Electric Institute; the Board of Trustees of the Autry National Center and the California Board of Trustees of The Nature Conservancy.
Humanitarian, actor, author, health and wellness ambassador/educator and philanthropist, Harper is most recognizable for his starring role in the hit television drama "CSI: NY," where he played the eccentric Dr. Sheldon Hawkes from 2004 to early 2013. Prior to "CSI: NY," Harper co-starred in "The Handler" and can currently be seen on USA Network's "Covert Affairs."