He was a child refugee. Now Derreck Kayongo is considered a fearless visionary. And on Friday, Oct. 11, he will be the keynote speaker at the Evansville African-American Museum’s fifth annual Colour of Humanity Gala.
Kayongo and his wife, Sarah, started their own non-governmental organization, The Global Soap Project, which repurposes partially used soap from hotels into new soap for needy populations. So far, the organization has donated more than half a million bars of soap to more than 20 countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Swaziland, Kenya, and Ghana.
The Colour of Humanity Gala will raise funds to continue the educational programs and support the exhibits of the African-American Museum. It will also support the museum’s general operating expenses. The evening will include cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner, dancing, and a live auction with 10 items.
“The auction items are unique and distinct experiences,” says Nancy Drake, who co-chairs the gala along with Kevin Wells. “The dinner on Oct. 11, we call that our Signature Soul Food Buffet. Everybody loves that buffet.”
The theme for this year’s gala is “The Color Purple,” and it will be held at the Tropicana Executive Conference Center, 421 NW Riverside Drive. Individual tickets are $125 and table sponsorships range from $1,500 to $5,000. Tickets are available for purchase through the museum. If you cannot attend the event, the museum is also accepting donations.
