The Black and Gold Affair: A Night of Excellence
Zeta Sigma Lambda’s annual black-tie holiday ball funds college scholarships and year-round mentoring for San Diego youth, in partnership with the San Diego Alpha Foundation.
Hilton San Diego Del Mar
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Reserve your seat
Every ticket includes admission, dinner and the souvenir ad book. VIP adds premier seating and the VIP reception.
Put your name behind the next generation of scholars
Every package includes recognition in the souvenir booklet. Platinum and Gold include a named scholarship award.
Choose a scholarship fund
Each fund is stewarded by the brothers of Zeta Sigma Lambda through the San Diego Alpha Foundation. Click a fund to give online, or scan its QR code with your phone.
Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Fund of San Diego
Not sure where to give? The general Scholarship Fund supports San Diego students wherever the need is greatest.
Scan to giveNamed scholarships & programs
11 funds
Alpha Mentoring of San DiegoChanging lives, one mentee at a time.Give →
Healthcare ScholarshipFor students pursuing a degree in healthcare.Give →
Breaking Barriers ScholarshipFor San Diego seniors dedicated to social impact and resilience.Give →
The Legacies of Ra ScholarshipFor a Black male student from San Diego County at a four-year university.Give →
CAEPContinued Academic Excellence Program for San Diego youth.Give →
Educators ScholarshipIn memory of Brother Kevin Hall. Honoring high academic standards and good citizenship.Give →
The Beverly Hill Scholarship FundInvesting in the next generation of scholars and leaders.Give →
HU, U Know ScholarshipFor students pursuing a degree from Howard University.Give →
Brother John Smith Veterans 2 Veterans ScholarshipFor student veterans pursuing higher education.Give →
S.T.E.P.S. ScholarshipFor seniors in City Districts 4 or 9 pursuing a STEM degree.Give →
The Norris Batiste Jr. STEM Scholarship FundEmpowering the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.Give →
Programs the Ball funds
CAEP
Educational program for underrepresented and at-risk youth at Morse and Lincoln High Schools.
Alpha Male Program
Working to end the school-to-prison pipeline at Fulton K-8 and Morse High School.
Student Scholarship Banquet
Cash scholarships and book awards for San Diego’s graduating students.
Know before you go
Date & time
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Program begins at 7:06 PM.
Venue
Hilton San Diego Del Mar
15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Dress code
Black tie.
Silent auction
Have an item or experience to donate? Submit it by Friday, November 27, 2026. Contact the Holiday Scholarship Ball Chair below to donate an item.
Payment & tax information
Checks payable to: San Diego Alpha Foundation
Mail to: San Diego Alpha Foundation, P.O. Box 502051, San Diego, CA 92150
Tax ID: 46-3297383
Ticket FAQ
Every ticket includes admission, dinner and the souvenir ad book. VIP adds premier seating and VIP reception access.
Everything in one place
Guests & Donors
Tickets & tablesOneCauseOpen Donate to a scholarship fund12 fundsOpen Students: apply for a scholarshipScholarship Program pageSee program pageSponsors & Advertisers
Sponsors: register & pay onlineOneCause · card or ACHOpen Sponsors: mail-in registration formPrint & mail with checkPDF Souvenir booklet ad$500 full page · $300 half pageOpenSilent Auction Donors
Donate an auction itemEmail the Ball ChairDue Nov 27Questions about the Ball?
Nathan “Nate” Payne, Holiday Scholarship Ball Chair · scholarship@sandiegoalphas.com
Tickets
Individual Ticket $150
Ticket includes admission, meal, and souvenir ad book.
Table for 10 $1500
Table includes admission, meals, and souvenir ad books for 10 guests.
VIP Table for 10 $1750
VIP table includes admission, premier ballroom seating, meals, souvenir ad books for 10 guests, and admission to the VIP reception.
VIP Ticket $175
Table includes admission, meal, souvenir ad books and admission to the VIP reception..
About this event
Please join us for dinner, dancing, and fellowship at this black tie affair. In partnership with the San Diego Alpha Foundation, the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc hosts this annual holiday ball to support its educational programs and college scholarships for San Diego students. Willing to demonstrate an extra commitment to youth achievement? Click HERE for details about sponsorship opportunities!
About the mentorship and educational programs:
Continued Academic Excellence Program (CAEP): Launched in 1957, CAEP is an educational program for underrepresented and/or at-risk youth. The program offers mentoring services, self-esteem training, and scholarships to graduating high school juniors and seniors at Morse High School and Lincoln High School. Book awards are awarded to each student during their first semester of college.
Student Scholarship Banquet: The annual scholarship banquet is a collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter and the San Diego Alpha Foundation. The banquet includes cash prizes for spoken word and essay performances and book awards for college-bound men from underrepresented communities.
Alpha Male Program: Alpha Male's mission is to eliminate the school to-prison pipeline. Conducted at Fulton K-8 Elementary School and Morse High School, this mentorship program is a strategic partnership with Pazzaz Incorporated with the challenge of mentoring underrepresented and/or at-risk youth who are considered "at-risk" of academic failure.
About the San Diego Alpha Foundation
The San Diego Alpha Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization which encourages academic excellence and provides educational and cultural enrichment activities. The tax identification number for the San Diego Alpha Foundation is 46-3297383. A portion of contributions made to the San Diego Alpha Foundation are tax deductible (please consult with your personal tax preparer). Should you desire additional information, please email scholarship@sandiegoalphas.com.
Donations
Donate To Our Scholarship Fund Click Thumbnail Below or Scan QR Code
Donate To Our Other Causes
Choose one of the causes below to support. Click on a thumbnail, or scan the QR code to be taken to the online donation page for that cause.
Donations to Alpha Mentoring of San Diego directly fund mentoring sessions, educational resources, and community events that keep young people engaged, supported, and moving toward their goals — helping ensure every mentee has the tools they need to succeed.
This scholarship will help students who are pursuing a degree in healthcare.
This scholarship with help San Diego area high school seniors who are dedicated to social impact and resilience.
This scholarship will support a black male student from San Diego County attending a four year college or university.
Donations to CAEP directly fund tutoring resources, study materials, and academic enrichment activities that help students maintain strong grades and build the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond.
This scholarship will support students who maintained a high academic standard and good citizenship.
Donated by Beverly Hill by way of Dennis Dachtler Wealth Management. This scholarship will support local students pursuing higher education.
This scholarship will support students pursuing a degree from Howard University.
This scholarship will support student veterans pursuing higher education.
This scholarship will support high school seniors in San Diego City districts 4 or 9 who are committed to pursuing a college degree in STEM.