Johnny Gill to Perform at UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball December 19
Atlanta, GA – Corporate Executives Shan Cooper and Jack Sawyer are the honorary co-chairs of the 32nd Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball. The formal affair, UNCF’s signature fundraising gala and premier social event of the holiday season, will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015, 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta. R & B Singer, Songwriter Johnny Gill will perform.
“We are delighted to have two of Atlanta’s most respected corporate leaders to join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as honorary co-chairs of our annual fundraiser. Jack Sawyer and Shan Cooper have raised the bar in establishing a goal of $2 million to support our 37 UNCF member colleges and universities, four of which are right here in Atlanta, said Justine Boyd, UNCF Regional Development Director.
“We need leaders and innovators with vision to develop the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges and to be the pioneers who will define that future,” said Shan Cooper, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company vice president and Marietta general manager. “No one disputes the technological innovation and economic development in every part of society comes from a solid educational foundation. The UNCF helps lay that foundation. The funds raised at the Mayor’s Masked Ball are a critical component in building tomorrow’s leaders. I’m thrilled to be an honorary co-chair this year.”
“I am deeply humbled to be participating as Honorary Co-chair, with the wonderful Shan Cooper, of this year’s Mayor’s Masked Ball. The work of UNCF is essential. No institutions have played a bigger role in preparing generations for economic, social and civil advancement than historically black colleges and universities. Wilmington Trust knows how important UNCF is to our communities, and we are honored to support such a valuable nonprofit, said Jack Sawyer, President Southeast Region Wealth Advisory Group, Wilmington Trust.
“I am pleased that the annual Mayor’s Masked Ball will once again help fund the education of thousands of deserving students matriculating at the Atlanta University Center,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The UNCF has helped millions of students achieve their educational goals for seven decades and I can’t think of a better way to assist in that than with this truly memorable event.”
Started 32 years ago by former Mayor Andrew Young and Billye S. Aaron, the Ball is hosted by the city’s current Mayor and is largely supported by local corporate and civic entities. A much anticipated holiday event that raises unrestricted dollars for UNCF’s support for local students, the Ball attracts a diverse array of attendees from across the metropolitan area, including local celebrities, dignitaries, civic and elected officials.
Ball highlights include The VIP Masked Award Reception, Silent Holiday Auction, Red Carpet Parade of Stars and Dignitaries, Elegant Dining, Parade of Masks, Dancing and Live entertainment by R & B Recording Artist Johnny Gill.
Marquis Sponsors of the 2015 UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball are: The Coca Cola Co., Delta Air Lines, Marriott Hotel and UPS. Tickets may be purchased on line at www.uncf.org or call 404 302-8623.
About UNCF
UNCF (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 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 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 60,000 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.”® Learn more at www.UNCF.org
About Shan Cooper
Shan Cooper is Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company and General Manager of the company’s Marietta, Ga., facility. She is also responsible for the company’s subassembly sites in Meridian, Miss., and Clarksburg, W.Va. In addition, she serves as the company’s Vice President of Business Ethics. She was named to her current position in January 2011. As General Manager, she is responsible for the more than 6,300-employee Marietta operation, which designs, produces, modifies and maintains military aircraft for the United States and countries around the world. Marietta-based programs include the C-130J Super Hercules, C-5M Super Galaxy and P-3 Orion. The Marietta site is also responsible for F 35 Lightning II subassembly and coatings work.
About Jack Sawyer
Jack Sawyer is President of the Southeastern Region of Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory group. In this role, he manages all portfolio management and business development activities within the region. In 1989 Sawyer was a founding principal of The Arden Group, which was Atlanta’s first private fiduciary firm and was acquired by Mellon in 2003. He has specialized in the administration of trusts, estates, and private foundations throughout his career. Sawyer holds a JD from Mercer University and received his BA from the University of Georgia.
