20th annual Fellowship Open kicks off from Milwaukee's Nō Studios

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 20th annual Fellowship Open kicked off Thursday, Aug. 20, with virtual and live events from Milwaukee's Nō Studios.

CBS 58 is a sponsor of the annual fundraiser which raises money for youth groups in Milwaukee.

On Thursday, civil rights activist and Milwaukee Community Journal founder and publisher Patricia O'Flynn Pattillo received the Community Leader Award.

A local artist was also there to unveil a Fellowship Open 20th anniversary commemorative portrait, which he says was an honor to create.

"Especially working on it throughout the quarantine itself and completing it right at the top of the protests, after George Floyd's death, it was a healing process for me," said Milwaukee artist Brad Bernard.

Select nonprofit organizations focused on improving students' overall academic performance in school also received awards Thursday.

Milwaukee Bucks Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief and Bader Philanthropies president/CEO Daniel Bader will be honored Friday, Aug. 21.