Local faith leaders and community members unite to support FAMU through fundraising banquet
Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr.
Dr. Larry Robinson
Special to the Outlook
Tallahassee’s faith-based community is teaming up with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation for a unique fundraising effort that will benefit the University’s athletics programs and honor alumni and supporters who have contributed to FAMU’s rich legacy.
The Legacy Committee, founded and chaired by Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes, pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, and consisting of local pastors and community members from across the Big Bend, will host its second Legacy Banquet on March 30 at 7 p.m. The banquet will be held in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium on FAMU’s campus and includes tributes to 15 honorees who have made a local and national impact in their respective fields, while supporting FAMU.
The focus of the banquet is to support the FAMU Athletics Department’s fundraising goals, which includes funding renovations to the historic Bragg Memorial Stadium.
The banquet is a component of the committee’s multi-year commitment to raise $100,000 for FAMU, which began with its 2015 Legacy Banquet. To date, the group has raised $64,356 and hopes to exceed its total goal this year, pledging to raise an additional $60,000 toward the FAMU Athletics Department’s $600,000 campaign.
“We believe Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s best days are ahead of us,” Holmes said. “This year’s Legacy Banquet will send a strong message to the nation and all stakeholders and supporters of FAMU that this community is committed to strengthening and sustaining FAMU.”
Banquet tickets can be purchased at the Bethel Veterans Center, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Office, Bethel AME Church Office, the FAMU Foundation, and the FAMU Athletics Department. The committee is asking for a donation of $100 per person or $800 per table for event admission.
“FAMU Athletics has had a laser-like focus on strengthening its partnerships with the community,” said Athletics Director Milton Overton. “We appreciate the Legacy Committee’s efforts. This banquet shows the power of what can happen when we unite to support our student-athletes.”
FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and Vice President for University Advancement George Cotton expressed the University’s gratitude for the committee’s partnership and its continued efforts to pay homage to FAMU’s impact.
“The Legacy Banquet demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting our student-athletes and programs, maintaining facilities that enhance the fan experience, and honoring the alumni, employees, and friends who have contributed to FAMU’s strong foundation,” Robinson said.
Cotton added, “We are proud to partner with Tallahassee’s faith-based community in hosting such an inspirational event. There is no better way to show our students that the community is behind them than hosting an event that helps to celebrate and fiscally support FAMU.”
Event honorees include:
Former FAMU Faculty Senate presidents:
Narayan B. Persaud, Ph.D.
Mary B. Diallo, Ph.D.
Former FAMU SGA presidents:
Monique Y. Gillum
Tonnette Graham
James F. Mathews
Larry O. Rivers, Ph.D.
Former FAMU National Alumni Association presidents
Tommy L. Mitchell, Sr.
Carolyn H. Collins, Ph.D.
Former members of the FAMU Board of Trustees
Rufus Montgomery
Spurgeon McWilliams, M.D.
FAMU Boosters
Eddie Jackson
Elaine W. Bryant, Ph.D.
Stephanie L. Clarke
Former Miss FAMU’s
Trenice D. Seniors
Denise L. Barrett, Ph.D.
For additional information about the event, contact Dr. Linda Fortenberry at 850-681-0990 or the FAMU Foundation at 850-412-5755.
