Scholarship luncheon set next month
Published 10:05 pm Thursday, January 9, 2020
The family of a man who has been missing for more than four years will host a luncheon next month to raise money for scholarships in his name.
Quantez Russell has been missing since Nov. 11, 2015. He was 30 years old when he was reportedly involved in a shooting in Newport News, and he has not been heard from since that time.
His mother, Joan Turner, and the rest of his family are determined to make some good come out of their grief. They started the Quantez Russell Scholarship fund and have given $3,300 in scholarships to Suffolk Public Schools students in the last two school years. They’re now working on fundraising for their third year.
The Mothers Against Violence Luncheon on Feb. 22 will bring in money for the scholarship fund while also uniting people for the common cause.
“It’s not just for the moms who have lost family members, but anyone who would like to come out,” Turner said. “We just want to keep everything positive and keep Quantez’s name in the forefront so people won’t forget he is still missing.”
The luncheon, set for noon at the Suffolk Shrine Club, 500 Elizabeth St., will be catered by Niecy’s Girls and will feature Suffolk Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Almetia F. Hardman as the guest speaker. Tickets are $25 a person.
Proceeds will support scholarships for students graduating this year and going on to a two-year or four-year college, majoring in any subject area. They have to write an essay to qualify.
To get tickets for the luncheon, checks may be sent to Joan R. Turner, 403 Riddick Circle, Suffolk, VA 23434. Call 650-8096 for more information.
Other endeavors of Russell’s family have also included that they have adopted a section of roadway in his name and done several cleanups there, and have sponsored several events focusing on gang violence.