Putting a spin on the traditional United Negro College Fund message, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste," UNCF gala chair Phyllis Williams titled the 25th anniversary gala "A Mind Is . . .a Sterling Asset."
With that the black-tie evening at the Hilton Americas-Houston was off and running with a sophisticated gathering of 540 guests who helped raise $500,000 for scholarship funds.
Joining Williams in the spotlight were gala co-chair attorney Lauren Randle and honorary chair and underwriter Reginald Van Lee, executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington D.C. A native Houstonian, Lee has until recently maintained a showplace home in River Oaks.
The evening honored attorney Anthony Hall Jr. with the Excellence in Education Award and Delesa O'Dell-Thomas with the John and Drucie Chase Builders Award.
Morris Day & The Time kept the crowd dancing until midnight. Among the scholarship supporters were Anita and Gerald Smith, Lora and Dr. John Clemmons, Cheryl and Percy Creuzot, Mayor Annise Parker, Merele Yarborough, Allison and Dr. Kevin Smith, Arvia and Jason Few, Gina Gaston Elie and Mario Elie, Judge Clarease and Cary Yates, Cydonni Miles and Nicole Hill.
Phyllis Williams, from left, Reginald Van Lee and Lauren Randle at the UNCF Gala.
