By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Alton Frailey and his wife, Anissa, honorary co-chairs of the Urban League's annual gala, mingle with Alison Sehring (left), also a co-chair. The Cincinnati Enquirer/JEFF SWINGER

DOWNTOWN - They stepped out in black tuxedos and cocktail dresses worthy of the red carpet treatment at the Oscars.

More than 700 people - including some of Cincinnati's most prominent community and business leaders - packed downtown's Cincinnati Club for an evening of dinner and dancing at the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati's 17th Annual Gala.

But the $100-per-ticket event was more than just an excuse for people to get decked out in their best duds and chat it up with area socialites. Urban League officials said the evening is about supporting job and education programs that help disadvantaged youth and adults in Cincinnati make a better life for themselves.

The black-tie affair is the primary fund-raiser for the Urban League. Proceeds from the event have exceeded $100,000 in past years and are used to fund programs and services that aid thousands of Greater Cincinnatians.

"The gala has taken on a life of its own and has evolved into one of the most sought-after social functions in Cincinnati," said Venyke Payton, director of marketing for the Urban League.

Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Alton Frailey and WKRC-TV (Channel 12) General Manager Chris Sehring and his wife, Alison, were the event's honorary chairpersons.

The theme for this year's gala was "Up, Up and Away...The Urban League Rising to New Heights." Payton said the theme represents changes that have taken place within the organization during the past six months, which includes the hiring of a new president and chief executive officer.

Friday's was the first gala for new Urban League President Donna Jones Stanley, who took over stewardship of the nonprofit agency in November from Sheila Adams. Stanley is trying to place her own mark on the organization while fighting to overcome funding problems.

A drop in corporate and individual contributions has forced the Urban League to downsize and restructure some of its programs. The social service agency operates on a $2.5 million annual budget and employs about 40.

Guests at the gala were treated to an evening of Latin and R&B music. There was line dancing and a comedy show.

Delta Air Lines donated a pair of airline tickets that were raffled off .

E-mail kaldridge@enquirer.com