Banquet Overview

Join Collaborate to Educate Our Sons (CEOS) for an inspiring evening dedicated to education, leadership, and community empowerment. The CEOS Fundraiser Banquet 2026 brings together supporters, mentors, families, and leaders for a meaningful night of celebration and impact.

This special event honors the fathers, mentors, and advocates who help shape the future of our sons while raising critical funds to support CEOS programs, scholarships, and initiatives.

Expect a powerful blend of connection, recognition, and celebration — all in support of a mission that matters.

About CEOS

Collaborate to Educate Our Sons (CEOS) is committed to empowering young men through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Through scholarships, programming, and advocacy, CEOS works to ensure our sons have the tools and support they need to thrive.

Your participation in this banquet directly supports this mission and helps expand opportunities for future generations.

Be Part of the Impact

Join us for an evening that celebrates excellence, honors leadership, and invests in the future of our sons.

Registration is now closed for the CEOS Fundraiser Banquet.

Thank you for the incredible support. If you would still like to be part of the impact, donations remain open to support CEOS scholarships and programs for young men.

Donate to CEOS

Banquet Agenda

🎵 Musical Prelude
Instrumental Opening

🕰️ Welcome & Introduction
F. Andrew McKenzie
CEOS Alumnus

🎤 Emcee’s Remarks
Ms. Jacquie Gales Webb

🙏 Invocation
Canon Rev. Dr. Michelle Hagans
Pastor, Episcopal Church

📖 The Occasion
Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne
Founder, CEOS

🎨 Black History Month Art Feature
Rev. Dr. Eugene Poole
Banquet Chair

🏅 First Awards Presentation
A brief description of honorees’ work and contributions
Presented by: Dr. Bertram Melbourne & Mrs. Yvonne Melbourne

🍽️ Dinner Buffet & Music
Dinner Buffet Service
Dinner Music (30 minutes – Instrumental)

🎶 15th Anniversary Musical Feature 

🎙️ Introduction of Featured Speaker 

⭐ Featured Speaker Address 
General Kip Ward, US Army (Retired)

🎓 Presentation of Awards & Scholarships
Dr. Bertram Melbourne & Mrs. Yvonne Melbourne

🙏 Prayer of Dedication
Pastor Damien Johnson
Pastor, Seabrook SDA Church

🎖️ Pinning Ceremony
Dr. Bertram Melbourne
Messrs. Fitzroy Thomas & Chris Daley

🤝 Acknowledgements 
Rev. Dr. Eugene Poole
Banquet Chair

✨ Benediction 
Rev. Rose McElrath-Slade
Strategic Resources, Inc.

Tickets & Registration

Ticket Name: CEOS Banquet Ticket – Full Access

Ticket Includes: 

Your ticket includes full access to the CEOS Fundraiser Banquet experience:

✨  Pre-Event Meet & Greet
🍽️  Full Banquet Dinner with Reserved Seating
🍲  Meal options: Chicken, Fish, or Vegetarian (selected during checkout)
🎶  Live Musician Entertainment
🏆  Awards & Scholarship Presentations
🎁  Door Prizes
🤝  Community Networking & Celebration

Ticket Cost: $150 per ticket

Note: A 5% service fee is included in the registration platform

Availability Details: 🎟️ 150 tickets available

Last Date for Ticket Sale: 🗓 19th February, 2026

Parking & Arrival Information

Free surface parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional on-site parking garage options are also available for convenience. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.

Terms and Conditions

• All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable under all circumstances.
• Tickets are transferable, subject to compliance with event policies.
• In the unlikely event that inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances require the event to be postponed or rescheduled, ticket purchasers will be notified via email using the contact information provided at the time of purchase. An alternative event date will be announced, along with further instructions regarding ticket validity and attendance.
• Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled date unless otherwise stated. No refunds will be issued due to event postponement or date changes.