WHAT: Port Arthur Branch NAACP banquet

WHEN: Reception, 6:30 p.m., dinner and program, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Holiday Inn – Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, Port Arthur

WHY: Fundraiser for college scholarships

 

A few tickets are still available for Port Arthur’s NAACP banquet, which, after years, is organized again in the city and on its way to becoming an active force in the community.

The theme of this year’s banquet, ‘Bridging the Gap: Remembering the Sacrifice,” pays homage to community members of all ages who personify the NAACP vision: To ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

Port Arthur Branch NAACP President Kalan Gardner, Sr., said this year’s banquet would be the first since the local chapter reorganized in March.

Banquet proceeds will provide college scholarships and educational opportunities to community youth.

Gardner said the scholarships are open to all youth anywhere in the Golden Triangle. The NAACP hopes to award at least three to four scholarships.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Gardner at 409-293-5020 or Banquet Coordinator Chloe Thomas at 409-960-4213.

At press time Monday, Thomas said there were only about 10 tickets remaining, but anyone who wants to go is encouraged to call to see if there have been any cancellations.

Individual tickets are $40.

Make all checks and money orders payable to: Port Arthur Branch – NAACP, P.O. Box 1363, Port Arthur, Texas 77641.

NAACP membership information will be available at the banquet. Membership is open to anyone for a $30 annual fee. Interested people can join online or join at the group’s monthly meeting, the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Westside Development Center.

For those who cannot attend the banquet, but would like to make a donation to the college scholarship fund, call Thomas at 409-960-4213.

“We have had a lot of phone calls from people who hope to help the community by helping our kids with their education,” Gardner said.

This year’s banquet begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Saturday followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. at Holiday Inn – Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur.

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

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