Rutherford B.H. Yates, Inc. is sponsoring its first fundraiser dinner and silent auction, “Honoring Pioneers: A Celebration of the Past and Present” on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel located at 6 Greenway Plaza. This celebration features keynote speaker, Merline Pitre, PhD, TSU professor, author and historian. Pioneers and innovators such as Commissioner El Franco Lee, Willie T. Caldwell, Thomas Meloncon, Bubbha Thomas, and Dr. Thomas Freeman will be honored.

Proceeds from this event benefit the restoration and preservation of homes in the National register District of Freedmen’s town and provide scholarships to students. Tickets are $100.00 each and for more information about the celebration, “Honoring Pioneers: a Celebration of Past and Present”, please visit http//:www.yatesmuseum.org or call 713-739-0183.