United Negro College Fund president and CEO Michael Lomax, in from national headquarters in Fairfax, Va., led the charge for higher education at the UNCF annual gala, held Saturday at the Omni Houston Hotel. With a stellar turnout of 450 guests, the evening raised $375,000 for academic aid at member colleges across the country.
Dina Alsowayel and Tony Chase served as honorary chairs of the evening that was orchestrated by dinner chairs Saundria Chase Gray and Jerome Gray.
A highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of a check for $50,000 from Cooper Industries, presented by CFO David Barta.
The entertainment factor rocked the ballroom with four-time Grammy recipient Regina Belle and soul/R&B singer Howard Hewett taking the stage.
Contributing to the evening's success were UNCF Leadership Council chair Holly Montalbano, Winell and Doug Herron, Melanie Lawson and John Guess Jr., Astros president Pam Gardner, Carolyn and Willie Alexander, Merele Yarborough, Jackie Martin, Sylvia Brooks and Cynthia and Michael Lewis.
