Running Rebels’ 34th Annual Scholarship Banquet was a success | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Running Rebels
November 7, 2014
(Photo courtesy of Running Rebels)
While many families and youth in the area were gearing up for the official start of the NBA season or prepping their costumes for Halloween, The Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO) and their supporting community partners, families and friends were all abuzz at their Annual Scholarship Event taking place at the historical Tripoli Shrine Center in Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, October 25th. Over 360 attendees celebrated the organization’s 34 years of service to the community, as well as the achievements of deserving youth and staff, in an elegant evening of fellowship, gratitude, and continued dedication to service. The evening was highlighted by musical performances by community partner, Express Yourself Milwaukee, as well as Running Rebels’ own Rebel Life Entertainment. While guests enjoyed a plentiful meal, Running Rebels staff members Traci Amos and Damon Shoates received special dedication awards, along with former RRCO employee John Rakowski, currently partnering with the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) through The Milwaukee Medical College. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Co-Executive Director, Dawn Barnett, RRCO alumni and board member Nate Cooper, and former program participant and Violence-Free Zone Youth Advisor, Derrick Shoates.
The evening was topped off by inspiring words from Dell Williams, dubbed “the first” Running Rebel, along with Founder and Executive Director Victor Barnett. Several attendees received door prizes throughout the evening. While winners Mary Bingham, Gwen Horton,  and Randall Logan won the raffle, with the top prize of a $500 pre-paid Visa gift card going to Craig Greene. Afterwards, guests explored the billiard and reception areas of the venue, while enjoying the soulful sounds of the renowned local band, The Break.
Next on deck for the Running Rebels is the annual Fresh Coast Basketball Classic  (FCBC), taking place over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The Running Rebels and the board of the FCBC cordially invite you to join them for a college fair and exciting tournament play at the UWM Klotche Center on November 25th, 28th, and 29th . For more information please visit: www.freshcoastclassic.org, or www.runningrebels.org
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