NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
Our Culture, Our CommUNITY: "We Are Bold, Impactful, and Revered."
Presented by NAACP Bremerton Unit 1134 and the Admiral Theatre Foundation
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Reception 5 PM | Program 6 PM
Tickets $85 (incl. dinner and fees) - Dinner options below

NAACP Bremerton Unit 1134 and the Admiral Theatre Foundation proudly present the 2024 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet / Our Culture, Our Community: "We Are Bold, Impactful, and Revered." This year's festivities include remarks by Craig Sims, Attorney at Law and Former King County Deputy Prosecutor, and Dr. Chauné Fitzgerald, founder Washington State Tri-Cities Black Chamber of Commerce, and live performances by Ms. Ruth Jones, and the Eugenie Jones Band. This special event includes dinner service, silent auction, dessert dash, raise the paddle and more.

Craig Sims / Attorney at Law and Former King County Deputy ProsecutorSchroeter Goldmark & Bender (Shareholder)

Craig is an accomplished trial lawyer with over 25 years of litigation and leadership experience. His calling, “to be of service to others,” is what drew him to the practice of law. Craig’s focus is to seek accountability while honoring the lives of his clients and their families. Craig has a proven record of accomplishment litigating civil cases, including several multi-million-dollar settlements and jury verdicts. Craig was the lead trial lawyer for the team that received one of the largest asbestos jury awards in the state of Oregon (2016). He has been recognized as a Washington “Super Lawyer” (2023 & 2024) and was honored as one of the Best Lawyers in America (Best Lawyers – 2022, 2023, & 2024 editions).

Prior to joining Schroeter Goldmark & Bender, Craig served as a Senior King County Prosecutor. While on assignment with the Most Dangerous Offender Program, he prosecuted a number of homicides and high-profile cases; seeking justice while advocating for those who’d been harmed. Craig also served as the Criminal Division Chief in the Seattle Attorney’s Office where he oversaw a team of more than sixty attorneys and staff.

Craig has taught trial practice as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington Law School. He’s a member and past president of the Loren Miller Bar Association, which gave him the Excellence in the Legal Profession award. During his career, Craig has also been presented with the Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Award, named as The King County Bar Association Mentor of the Year for the Young Lawyers Division, received the Professionalism Award by the Washington State Association for Justice, and was named Outstanding Plaintiff Trial Lawyer by the Washington Defense Trial Lawyer’s Association. Craig has traveled the country consulting on issues of mentorship, civility and diversity. He is often asked to speak at lawyer trainings on all aspects of lawyering skills.

Craig takes pride in his educational background, having graduated from Seattle University School of Law and The University of Oregon.

Craig’s guiding life motto is: “I am preparing my children for the world, while preparing the world for my children.”

Dr. Chauné Fitzgerald / Founder, Washington State Tri-Cities Black Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Chauné Fitzgerald / Founder, Washington State Tri-Cities Black Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Chauné Fitzgerald is an award-winning community leader, activist, and influential business owner for over 25 years. Chauné is currently serving as the CEO of the Washington African American Chamber of Commerce and is the founder of Women of Wisdom Tri-Cities. Chauné is firmly committed to education, policy and public service, and environmental justice entrepreneurialism.

Chauné is an advocate for equity, economic development and bridging the gaps of social and economic disparities among low-income and marginalized communities. Leading the way with Clean Climate Act initiatives, Chauné launched the first Zero-Emissions Electric community car share program in Eastern Washington with WSDOT. Most recently, Chauné took on the role as the Project Director for the U.S. Department of Transportation's NW Small Business Transportation Resource Center serving Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington State.

Chauné holds a Doctorate in Counseling and Strategic Leadership, Master of Science MBA degree with an emphasis on Business Organizational Leadership and Management. Chauné is a native of Illinois and graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management / HCM, and holds Master of Cosmetology Licenses in Georgia and Washington State.

Chauné’s hobbies include traveling, cooking, event planning and writing curriculum. Her Motto is: “Put God first and you will never be last.” She is the mother of three and wife of Eric Fitzgerald, Nuclear Engineer at Hanford Site in Richland, WA.

Dinner Menu Options

Option A:
Beef Medallions with Demi-Glace
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Seasonal Vegetable Chefs Choice
Fresh Green Garden Salad
Fresh Rolls and Butter

Option B:
Northwest Coho Salmon w/ Dill Aioli
Wild Rice Pilaf Bistro Blend
Seasonal Vegetable Chefs Choice
Fresh Green Garden Salad
Fresh Rolls and Butter

Option C:
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Stuffed with Italian Vegetables and Bistro Blend Rice Pilaf
Seasonal Vegetable Chefs Choice
Fresh Green Garden Salad
Fresh Rolls and Butter