By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

An event of empowerment and enrichment is scheduled for with a mixer at 5:30 p.m. and program to start at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2017, at the Orange Expo Center, at 11475 Farm to Market Road 1442 in Orange.

“It is a way for the youth and young adults to see their potential,” MaQuettia Ledet said. “We want to demonstrate excellence in our community.”

Impact/Merge is hosting the inaugural event.

“We hope to make it an annual event,” Ledet said. “We hope to motivate by showing how others impact the community as a way to provoke others to pursue their dreams to start a business, wrote a book.”

Special guests at the event include Orange City Council members Annette Pernell and Larry Spears Jr. as well as Demaron Judge, Impact Orange MaQuettia Ledet, Taylor Beasley, Lisa Hunter, Wells of Agape Donna Wells, and Judy Maull. Special honorees at the event are Ronnie A.E. Crockett, Dean and All Granger, Council member Essie Bellfield, and Dedmon Lee.

“We want to show what was once off limits is achievable,” Ledet said. “So people can say ‘I can do it. I can be whatever I want to be.’ It is about celebrating those who are doing while inspiring others.”

Music guests for the event are Samuel Hardin with Brisco Lake Band and Delton Harper-Arline. Hosts are David Richard and Ariel Moses, co-hosts of ‘Unfiltered Radio Show.’

A survey was circulated on Facebook to select the local catalysts who make the biggest impact on the community.

“It is about supporting each other while inspiring others,” Ledet said.

A mixer starts at 5:30 p.m. with seating at 6 p.m. and the program to start at 6:30 p.m. at the black tie affair.

Sponsorship packages are available by contacting Maquettia at (409)330-0807, Kianna at (409)988-5386 or Raymona at (713)259-0881.