Annual Gala

UCOF Academy raises awareness through print and social media. UCOF Academy also hosts an annual gala every second week of October, which serves as the biggest training for our under-resourced youth. It is the time of year where UCOF Academy raises the most funds to keep the programs running for the following year. The event constantly attracts world press, dignitaries, New York/New Jersey elites and supporters from different parts of the world together to see how UCOF Academy has grown, the accomplishments of our students, and to witness how we have touched the lives of HIV/AIDS infected/affected children overseas.

The gala includes a fashion show featuring designers from around the world including Carmen Marc Volvo (USA), Marc Bouwer (USA/South Africa), Ron & Ron (Haiti/USA), Amparo Chorda (Spain), David Tlale (South Africa), Naked Ape by Shaldon Kopman (South Africa), Eric Raisina (Cambodia), Kosibah by Yemi Osunkoya ( UK), Sukeina (USA), Soucha (Egypt), Carla Silva (Angola), Louda Larrain (USA), Style Butler by Pernille Hally and Olivier Talentino (Philippines). UCOF Academy also featured designs by Zac Posen, Bibhu Mohapatra and House of Diehl. Jan Malan is the Producer; Sandi Bass is the Casting Director.

There is also a special fashion exhibition by UCOF Academy’s Achiever of the year for the relevant. The gala provides scholars of UCOF Academy’s STAND the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned and work with top international fashion designers, stylists, hair and makeup artists, fashion show producers and publicists. With the funds raised at the event, UCOF Academy is able to continue to organize internships and educational opportunities for under-resourced youth in NY to expose them to the many exciting career opportunities in the fashion industry.

UCOF Academy celebrates its fourth year in July 2014. In the past years, UCOF Academy has had the honor of celebrating and awarding iconic figures who have mentored UCOF Academy’s students and served as role models along with its corporate sponsors who make the annual gala possible. As UCOF Academy celebrates its fourth year, it invites you to be an integral part in becoming dream makers to those in need. UCOF Academy plans to hold its annual gala on October 8th, 2014 at the Lexington Avenue Armory.

Past Honorees

• 2013 Honorary Chair, Fern Mallis Fashion industry leader and the renowned creator of New York Fashion Week
• 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, Pat Cleveland Legendary supermodel who has made invaluable contributions to the worlds of fashion and the arts
• 2013 Presenter, Bethann Hardison

Past Supermodels

International Fashion Ambassador for UCOF Academy

• Devyn Winner of “The Face”

2012 Honorary Chairs

• Nigel Barker World renowned fashion photographer and former judge of America’s Next Top Model
• Phillip BlochWidely considered as Hollywood’s premier fashion stylist
• 2012 Honorary Co-Chair, Dionne WarwickInternational musical legend and Grammy award winner

Past Partners

Links to Past Galas