Our Youth Matters, a Raleigh-based non-profit, will host two star-studded fundraising events on August 27th, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Both events are open to the public, with proceeds benefitting Our Youth Matters, which provides academic support, cultural enrichment, and leadership development opportunities for Raleigh youth.
The 3rd annual gala and fundraiser, hosted by Radio One’s Brian Dawson, will recognize community heroes and will feature North Carolina senator Wiley Nickels as the keynote speaker. The gala will honor the following local changemakers:
- Chief Estella D. Patterson, Raleigh Police
- District Attorney Nancy Lorrin Freeman, Wake County
- Judge Sam Hamidani, Wake County District Court
- Judge Ned Mangum, Wake County District Court
- Brigadier General Voris W. McBurnette, USAR
- Sister Circle Doctors, WakeMed
The event will also honor the following NPHC organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpa Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. The gala will be held at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (2 E. South St). The red carpet will begin at 4:30 p.m., doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the gala will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Following the gala, guests can join the nonprofit at the Fletcher Opera Theater inside Duke Energy Center for The Dream Team of Comedy Legends. Presented by Our Youth Matters founder Robert Mitchener, all proceeds will benefit the nonprofit. The show, hosted by Brian Dawson, will feature the following comedians:
- Brian Hooks
- Pierre
- Michale Colyar
- Shucky Ducky
- Chris Thomas
- Honest John
“We look forward to welcoming the community to one or both of these great events,” said Robert Mitchener. “Through the support of our honorees, featured comedians and guests, Our Youth Matters will continue to provide our city’s youth with the guidance and support they deserve.”
While working with troubled adults and youth, Mitchener envisioned an intervention and prevention outreach program, which became Our Youth Matters. Since its inception, Our Youth Matters has grown exponentially providing academic support, cultural enrichment, and leadership development opportunities for participants. Mitchener continues to lead the organization as it expands its unique programming for youth and their families.
