Baby, it was cold outside
Frosty temps can't keep the faithful from attending the annual UNCF gala
- Terry and Joycelyn Williams, left, with Drayton McLanePhoto by Gary Fountain
- Honoree Zinetta Burney, left, with Juana Collins, executive director of UNCFPhoto by Gary Fountain
- Chairs Jodie Jiles and Sonny Messiah JilesPhoto by Gary Fountain
- Sunny Shores, left, and Karen LowePhoto by Gary Fountain
- Elizabeth Campbell, left, with William and Winell Herron
- Freddie and Akwete NoblePhoto by Gary Fountain
- Richard and Josena Auzenne, from left, with Heather and Marcus MalonsonPhoto by Gary Fountain
- Drayton McLane, left, and Terry WilliamsPhoto by Gary Fountain
- David Francis, left, with Wendi-Ann and Kelly Maurice WalkerPhoto by Gary Fountain
- Derrick Murphy, from left, Ken Ross and Terry WilliamsPhoto by Gary Fountain
- Carrie Johnson, from left, with Kim and Jamie House and Lynda House-McPetersPhoto by Gary Fountain
Even though the mercury was sliding into the 20s and much of Houston had declared Friday a snow day, the United Negro College Fund gala went on as planned.
And 250 faithful braved the frosty air to show their support at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Considering the elements, the "Winter Wonderland" theme could not have been more appropriate for the 21st annual UNCF black-tie gala.
Taking bows for the jobs well done as dinner chairs were Jodie Jiles and Sonny Messiah Jiles who joined honorary chair Drayton McLane in the spotlight. The evening honored Judge Zinetta Burney with the Excellence in Education Award.
Among those grooving to the sounds of the SOS Band and Klymaxx were guests that included Sandy and Mike Ballases, Licia Green-Ellis, Cheryl and Percy Creuzot and Farouk Shami, who is running for governor. Also in the mix were Winell and William Herron, Ed Smith, Josena and Richard Auzenne, Heather and Marcus Malonson and UNCF executive director Juana Collins.