The Omaha Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is proud to announce its Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the DoubleTree Hotel, 1616 Dodge Street on October 9, 2008.  The social hour will start at 6:00 p.m. with formal program and dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Our speaker for the evening will be Reverend John P. Schlegel, President of Creighton University in Omaha.  As a champion of diversity in the workplace, Father Schlegel established, in 2001, what has become an annual citywide diversity summit and CEO breakfast for corporate Omaha.  For his promotion of social harmony among all races, religions, and cultures, Father Schlegel received the 2003 Otto Swanson Spirit of Service Award from the National Conference for Community Justice (NCCJ).

The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and discrimination. This event is the main fundraiser and source of support for the local NAACP branch. 100% of the branch clients are individuals at or below the federal poverty level. We hope you will consider supporting this fundraising effort.

The event expects to gather over 500 participants to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness of the Omaha community. Several businesses, individuals, and youth who have demonstrated consistent support to the NAACP cause will be recognized during the event.

“The importance of the NAACP efforts is magnified nowadays due to the increasing challenges our community faces to overcome the pressure of poverty, lack of positive role models and violence,” said Kathy J. Trotter, Chairperson of the event.  “The 2008 NAACP Freedom Banquet provides an excellent opportunity to highlight and celebrate the positive contributions this organization and its supporters have made and the results they have achieved.”  Ms. Trotter leads a committee comprised by about a dozen businesses, educators, and grass root leaders that represent a cross-section of the community.

For information on tickets, contact the Omaha Branch office at (402) 345-6227 or email omahanaacp@aol.com