OAK RIDGE, TN – The Oak Ridge Chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) is sponsoring the 25th Annual BIG Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, February 28, 2018, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Y-12 New Hope Center (602 Scarboro Road) in Oak Ridge.

The Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Reneé Kesler, President of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center in Knoxville. Formerly, Kesler served as the Director of the City of Knoxville’s Community Development Department. In addition to her professional work, Reverend Kesler is a Licensed Ordained Associate Minister at Mount Calvary Baptist Church where she serves in various ministries.

Everyone is invited. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased for $15 from local BIG members Angela Threat (865-576-0907) or Tanisha Smith-Wimes (865-576-1025). Tickets can also be purchased at the door the day of the event. The menu includes: fried or baked chicken with rice or ham; macaroni and cheese; corn; green beans; rolls; deserts, tea and water. A vegetarian option will be available.

Proceeds from ticket sales, private, and corporate donations help fund scholarships for local area high school seniors based on their academic excellence or financial need. For more information on how to donate toward this scholarship, please contact Tanisha Smith-Wimes at 865-576-1025.

BIG is a non-profit organization that has been in existence since 1975. It was established to provide aid in a national response to the needs of African-Americans in public service, to organize around issues of mutual concern, and to use the organization’s collective strength to confront workplace and community issues. BIG strives to promote equality in all aspects of American life and excellence in public service.