Join us at the 46th Annual Celebrate The RETURN banquet

Mark your calendar for October 17th. Project RETURN is returning to some old roots with a return to Marquette University for our annual banquet-gala, the 46th annual Celebrate The RETURN. This return is one of the inspirations for this year’s theme: “Planting Strong Roots.”

Through this transformative past decade, our mission and roots have remained as strong as ever – no matter where they have been planted. With all this growth, we have never lost our original vision: to make strong reentry possible and actually achievable for individuals returning to Milwaukee from incarceration. Excitingly, new roots are being planted that will feed our organization for a long time. (Big news on that is coming!)
Event details....
  • At Marquette University’s Alumni Memorial Union.
  • On Saturday, October 17, 2026.
  • To feature moving testimonials, a silent auction (where you can win a weeklong stay in Mexico, unique handmade items crafted by justice-impacted artisans, and a lot more cool stuff!), special award ceremonies, community and brotherhood, a delicious meal, and more.
  • 100% of all proceeds, as always, go toward supporting our mission.

Schedule
5 p.m. - Registration opens
5-6 p.m. - Meet & Greet and Silent Auction
6 p.m. - Dinner and banquet to begin
We expect the event to conclude by 8 p.m.
We hope that you will be able to come celebrate with us.
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Andron Lane, our 2024 Elijah O'Neal Award of Excellence honoree, will be back on the Celebrate The RETURN stage this year as our the event emcee and spoken word artist.

​Andron is a Milwaukee-based community engagement and reentry professional who currently serves through My Way Out. His work centers on advocacy, healing, accountability, connection, and helping people recognize they are more than the circumstances shaping their lives.

Secure your tickets for Celebrate The RETURN today

Thank you to our generous sponsors for making Celebrate The RETURN possible!

Entertainment Sponsor
Marquette University
Not only is Marquette University stepping up to host the 46th Annual Celebrate The RETURN, but Marquette University Department of Psychology –ranked among the top 120 programs in the country by U.S. News – is also stepping up as Entertainment Sponsor for the evening.
Meet & Greet Sponsor
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin
The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network is a partnership between Froedtert ThedaCare and the Medical College of Wisconsin, supporting a shared commitment to patient care, innovation, medical research and education.

Morgan Miller, RN, of Froedtert's Community Outreach Nursing program provides on-site services at Project RETURN every Tuesday!
Sponsors of Friendship
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Bank Five Nine