Men 2 Be invites the community to fundraising gala

Men 2 Be is a Hopkinsville-based nonprofit with the mission of uplifting boys in the community. To celebrate its members and spotlight its work, the nonprofit is inviting the community to its Emerald City Gala on August 1.

Men 2 Be was founded in 2020 as way to support boys academically and teach them life skills to prepare them for adulthood. Nonprofit Co-Founder LaDessa Lewis says the gala is a chance for them to shed light on Men 2 Be’s local impact and their goals for the future.

At the gala, Lewis says current members and alumni will be celebrated and keynote speakers will share their journeys and talk about the importance of a nonprofit like Men 2 Be. Lewis says Kentucky House Representative Joshua Watkins, Mia Farrell with Kentucky 4-H and Dr. Daquarius Mahone with the University of Louisville will be the gala’s keynote speakers.

The 2026 recipients of the Nydarian Bussell Humanitarian Scholarship, Lamareon Jeffers and K’Veon Ivory will also be recognized. Through the academic scholarship, Lewis says they have awarded over $12,000 to young men.

The gala will take over the Silo Event Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 1. Tickets are available at men2beinc.org.

Photo courtesy of Men 2 Be