State Senator Raumesh Abkari will be the keynote speaker for the Kefauver 2020 Virtual Gala to be held online on Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.
Hamilton Party Democratic Party Chair Rodney Strong said the COVID-19 situation is still dangerous and prompted HCDP to hold its annual fundraising event online for the health and safety of its participants.
HCDP has held this event for over 30 years as its major fundraiser. The event name honors the legacy of the late U.S. Senator from Tennessee, Estes Kefauver. This year, Annie Hall and Rep. Yusuf Hakeem are gala co-chairs.
Senator Akbari represents the 29th district in the Memphis area. She was recently selected to be the Democratic Caucus Chair in the Tennessee Senate. Her remarks were featured in the Democratic National Convention earlier this month.
In addition to Senator Akbari, the virtual gala will feature local Democrats who are seeking office in November: Meg Gorman (running for the 3rd Congressional District), Glenn Scruggs (candidate for Tennessee Senate District 10), Joan Farrell (running for Tennessee House District 26), and Joseph Udeaja (candidate for TN House 30). In addition, Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, who is running unopposed for reelection as the House Representative for District 28, and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke will speak. There will be musical performances by Rhonda Catanzaro and Neshawn Calloway.
Mr. Strong said, “This isn’t our preference, but we believe that this virtual event will be a great way to safely gather our fellow Democrats and ramp up interest in getting people registered to vote and excited about voting for our candidates. This is unquestionably the most significant election in our history. We want Democrats to turn out in record numbers to elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as well as our outstanding local candidates. The funds we raise from this event will make a difference for us in 2020 and help us build for the future.”
General admission tickets for this online event are $50. Those who wish to support the Kefauver 2020 Virtual Gala as sponsors pay $500. Those who want to participate can go to www.hamcodems.com and use the Kefauver 2020 Virtual Gala button. Address any questions to hcdp.us@gmail.com or call 508-9814.