Recognition Gala to Honor Community Leaders on July 27
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
Rei’l Worldwide Inc. will be hosting its 2nd Annual Awards & Recognition Gala on Thursday, July 27, to celebrate four standout citizens within the community, and to bring awareness to issues related to those formerly incarcerated.
This annual gala began last year as a way to bring awareness to Toombs and other surrounding counties about growing problems regarding the formerly incarcerated and children of incarcerated parents. “The purpose of the Gala goes far beyond fundraising,” Event founder Luther Wardlaw explained. “I was oblivious to the issues surrounding these subjects until it landed on my doorstep. The Gala brings awareness in one sense or another.”
This year, Francis Day, Debbie Griggers, Wilbert Snell, and Anson Calloway will all be recognized during the event for their contributions to the community through the Annie R. Jackson Humanitarian for Service Award. “This award has been deemed a high honor and is named for Ms. Annie Jackson, who dedicated her life to service for young men and women throughout the United States of America,” Wardlaw said. “Each year, we have nominations of individuals who exemplify the same dedication and service for others and their communities. I couldn’t be more proud of the recipients this year.”
The event will be hosted by NFL Superbowl Winner Fred Stokes, and American Actor Michael Winslow – best known for his role as Larvelle “Motor Mouth” Jones in the Police Academy series – will be the keynote speaker. Special guests Quinton Aaron, Lyric Wardlaw, Shannon Collins, and The Wardlaw Brothers will entertain attendees with their musical talents.
Wardlaw said the event brings him a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation, as he will share about information and comments about the work that Rei’l Worldwide Inc. has accomplished this year. “I am most excited to be able to announce the amount of success we have had with providing housing, employment, and other services to a large number of participants. I’m excited for them to be viewed and recognized for the present – not the past,” he emphasized.
The Gala will be held at the Vidalia Community Center on July 27. The VIP Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the event following at 7 p.m. VIP Tickets cost $85 each or $850 for a table, while general admission tickets are $65 each. For ticket information, call (912) 585-7465 or visit www. reilworldwide.org. About Rei’l Worldwide Inc.
Martin Luther Wardlaw founded Rei’L Worldwide Inc. in October of 2019 after seeing the effects of substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, and domestic violence not only in his community, but also in his family. Seeing first-hand the strain substance abuse can have on an individual and a family, watching the unfortunate downward spiral of children who suffered from a parent’s incarceration, witnessing the emotional and physical damage of physical and verbal abuse, and certainly the obstacles, stereotypes, and major challenges of the formerly incarcerated trying to transition back into society, motivated Wardlaw to take an aggressive approach in addressing these issues throughout the United States. It was his vision for Rei’L Worldwide to become a safe haven for individuals, children, and families where relationship and evidence-based approaches would be used to holistically address each issue and ensure successful outcomes.
Remaining in line with the vision, the organization continues to work diligently for the individuals, children, and families it serves. Organization members take pride in fostering National and International Partnerships with churches, organizations, employers, and centers to ensure that necessary assistance is inclusive and diverse. With footprints throughout the United States of America, it is the organization’s mission to provide hope, inspiration, and motivation to those they serve.
