NEW ORLEANS – Son of a Saint announced the success of its 2025 Men’s Dinner, a signature fundraising event that celebrates the power of Black male philanthropy and the transformative impact of mentorship. Held on Aug. 19 to coincide with Black Philanthropy Month, which is nationally recognized each August, the dinner returned for its second consecutive year under the leadership of Son of a Saint board members Cleveland Spears and Jerell Thomas. Other members of the event’s Host Committee included current and former Son of a Saint Board members, Ryan Burks, Theo Sanders, Kevin C. Green, Jr. and Peter Hamilton, III, as well as long-time Son of a Saint supporters, Jermaine Mazant and Leroy Nix. The event brought together a dynamic network of Black male philanthropists, business professionals, and local leaders dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission.
The 2025 Men’s Dinner saw a notable increase in participation, welcoming over 80 attendees this year compared to 60 in 2024, reflecting the growing support and enthusiasm for this signature event. The evening raised critical funds for Son of a Saint mentees and New Orleans’ youth who benefit from the organization’s range of holistic services. The event’s success was bolstered by a generous match pledge from The Burks Family, who have remained loyal and steadfast supporters of Son of a Saint. Dinner and refreshments were provided by partners, including Morrow Hospitality and Exclave Spirits.
The event also marked a milestone announcement for higher education support. Son of a Saint received earmarked scholarship support from Baton Rouge Community College and River Parishes Community College, unveiled during the event as a commitment for the organization’s future alumni who wish to pursue higher education at either institution, creating new pathways of access and opportunity for the future.
“The 2025 Men’s Dinner elevated our vision of what this event can achieve,” said Son of a Saint Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III. “I’m grateful to every supporter, from across different sectors of our community, who came together to strengthen this movement and become part of the Son of a Saint family. A special thank you to Cleveland and Jerell for their continued proactive leadership, to all members of our 2025 Men’s Dinner Host Committee, and to standout contributors like The Burks Family, whose generosity inspired the room and set the tone for our evening of impact. Together, we are not just raising funds, we’re also raising futures.”
The Men’s Dinner continues to serve as a forum to strengthen existing connections, build new relationships, and unlock career and educational opportunities for Son of a Saint mentees and alumni.
Son of a Saint encourages the community to stay engaged and get involved, whether through contributions of time, talent, or treasure, and to continue fueling the organization’s mission of transforming the lives of young men across New Orleans.
For more information about Son of a Saint, how to support its work, or ways to get involved, visit www.sonofasaint.org or call (504) 561-7508. Contributions may also be mailed to: P.O. Box 19205, New Orleans, LA 70179.