Norwela Council hosting third annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Distinguished Citizens Awards

SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Norwela Council’s third annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner will be held at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino next month.

The event will raise awareness and support for the Norwela Council Scouting programs that features local “celebrities” and culminates with a presentation of Distinguished Citizens Awards to three locals. This year’s honorees include:

• Erica Bryant, Parish of Caddo
• Dr. Christopher Holoman, Centenary College of Louisiana
• Vince Maggio, Maggio’s Grocery & Deli/Bossier City Council

“Our Council and Scout units could not exist without the support and advocacy of volunteers,” said Board President Lee Holmes. “Our 2025 honorees exemplify the values the Scouting program aspires to develop in our youth. We recognize and thank this year’s recipients for their selfless devotion to our community’s youth through Scouting America.”

A press release stated that in addition to honoring these civic leaders for their leadership and service, the event’s “celebrity” waiters create a fun atmosphere for the guests. Current celebrity waiters include Clarence Reese, Mario and Megan Chavez, Victor Thomas, Michael and Stacey Melerine, Auburn Brasher, Jay Whatley, Grace Ann Blake, Krystal “Chica” Montez, Rick Warren, Von Jennings, Cole Gutherie, Vita Riner, Cindy Henry, and Chris Hayes. The list of celebrity waiters continues to grow as it gets closer to the event.

“This is always a fun event and a great opportunity to honor those who have given so much of themselves to our community,” said Jeff Brasher, Scout Executive/CEO of the Norwela Council. “We’re looking forward to recognizing Ms. Bryant, Dr. Holoman, and Mr. Maggio for being great servant leaders and we encourage everyone to come and share in the celebration and support them and Scouting.”

The event will start at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. for social hour at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, 315 Clyde Fant Parkway on the Red River in downtown Shreveport.

Tickets are available now at Eventbrite. For more information, please contact Tom Wiuff at Thomas.wiuff@scouting.org or Jeff Brasher at jeffery.brasher@scouting.org or call 318-868-2774.