Tuscaloosa Leadership Class Hosts Fundraisers for Project Warrior

The 2026 class aims to raise $50,000 for a new cultural landmark honoring Chief Tuskaloosa.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 2026 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa is hosting two fundraising events - a benefit night on February 24 and a drawdown-style dinner on March 28 - to support their $50,000 goal for Project Warrior. This collaborative initiative will establish a permanent educational and cultural landmark along Tuscaloosa's downtown riverfront, including a bronze statue of Chief Tuskaloosa and an interpretive plaza.

Why it matters

Project Warrior aims to celebrate Tuscaloosa's Native American heritage and honor the legacy of Chief Tuskaloosa, a prominent historical figure in the area. The fundraising efforts by the Leadership Tuscaloosa class demonstrate the community's commitment to preserving and sharing this important history.

The details

The first fundraiser is a benefit night on February 24 at Session Cocktails, with $10 admission and door prize opportunities. The second event is a drawdown-style dinner on March 28 at the Tuscaloosa River Market, featuring a drawdown, silent auction, live entertainment, and fellowship. Proceeds from both events will go towards the $50,000 fundraising goal for Project Warrior through the West Alabama Chamber Foundation Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

  • The first fundraiser will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • The second fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 starting at 5:30 p.m.

The players

Leadership Tuscaloosa Class of 2026

The 2026 class of Leadership Tuscaloosa, a program that develops community leaders in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Project Warrior

A collaborative initiative involving the City of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, The University of Alabama, Visit Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Tourism Department to establish a permanent educational and cultural landmark along Tuscaloosa's downtown riverfront honoring Chief Tuskaloosa.

Chief Tuskaloosa

A prominent historical figure in the Tuscaloosa area, whose legacy the Project Warrior initiative aims to honor.

West Alabama Chamber Foundation Inc.

A registered 501(c)(3) organization that will receive the proceeds from the fundraising events to support Project Warrior.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This fundraising effort by the Leadership Tuscaloosa class demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving and celebrating Tuscaloosa's rich Native American heritage through the Project Warrior initiative, which will create a lasting educational and cultural landmark honoring Chief Tuskaloosa.