Launch of Black Excellence Ball to Benefit Juneteenth Celebrations and Jada Callender Scholarship Fund By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Low Moor, VA (Feb. 25, 2025)— On Saturday, February 28th, the inaugural Black Excellence Ball will be held at the MenNefer, located at 108 Mennefer Lane in Low Moor from 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. This exciting new event happening in the Alleghany Highlands is being presented by the Clifton Forge Juneteenth Planning Committee and is themed, "Celebrating Service, Sacrifice, and Success!" Its purpose is twofold: to celebrate black excellence during Black History Month and raise funds for two very important causes. The Alleghany Journal caught up with the Chair of the Clifton Forge Juneteenth Planning Committee, Lemona West, to discuss the event in detail. According to West, the idea for the "Black Excellence Ball" stemmed from the committee's vision to "honor Black excellence in all its forms, and to create a meaningful, fun gathering that uplifts and inspires in style!" The three-hour long event will feature moving tributes by way of a brief program, music spun courtesy of DJ Hootie Mack, "a soul food fine dining cuisine cultivated by The Friendly Fork," and a chance for locals to network and socialize with local community leaders and supporters of Juneteenth. Not only is the event expected to be a thrilling and exciting night, but it is also a meaningful fundraising opportunity with proceeds being split between this summer's Juneteenth celebrations and the Jada Callender Scholarship Fund which was established by the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board. "It's a cause close to our hearts," said West. "Jada was a member and strong supporter of our planning committee along with many other community activities and initiatives. She was a quiet pillar in our community. She was compassionate, dedicated, and willing to lend her time to support meaningful causes across the Highlands. Jada is greatly missed here in the Highlands and I'm so excited that we will be able to help contribute to her legacy fund!" Doors will be opening at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday night and will be held in the MenNefer Ballroom. Ticket prices are $75 for a single ticket or $100 for two. Scan the QR Code on the flyer for tickets, but hurry! Ticket sales end on Wednesday, February 25, and will be very limited at the door on Saturday night. "The Planning Committee is absolutely blessed to partner with their [MenNefer] team to host an elegant experience for our purpose! Tripp and Kimberly Mennefer have truly helped to bring our vision of elegance to life!" Lemona West concluded, "We are super excited to see our community step out in pure elegance and excellence." Additionally, Lemona West stopped to thank the sponsors of the prestigious and highly anticipated event. "We are deeply honored to our sponsors nd donors whose support allows us to make these initiatives possible... The Town of Clifton Forge, Williams DeLoatche Personal Injury Attorneys, and Highlands Community Bank have proudly stepped up and stand our as our inaugural sponsors. Their commitment demonstrates not only collaboration but active unity and care for our community." For additional questions, please contact the Clifton Forge Juneteenth Planning Committee at cliftonforgejuneteenthevents@gmail.com or by call Lemona West at 540-456-1986.

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