7th Annual Renegade Fest - 2026
More than 300 Renegades, families, trade partners, and friends filled RNGD Headquarters on October 23 for the seventh annual Renegade Fest, coming together for an afternoon built around community, purpose, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
By the end of the day, that support had turned into a new record: $183,400 raised for the Palmisano Foundation, $45,400 more than Renegade Fest raised in 2025.
Backed by 45 cash sponsors, 14 in-kind sponsors, volunteers, partners, and attendees, the event brought the community together with live music from Lagniappe Brass Band and Bad Habit, food, games, and a shared commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.
“Every year, Renegade Fest reminds me just how generous this community is, and I’m incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors and employees who show up, give back, and help the Palmisano Foundation make a difference,” said Wes Palmisano, Founder and Board Chair of the Palmisano Foundation.
The impact of Renegade Fest continues long after the event ends.
In 2026, the Palmisano Foundation helped fund 37 AEC scholarships, providing students with financial support as they take the next steps in their education and careers. Five scholarship recipients also completed internships at RNGD this year, giving them the opportunity to gain real-world experience alongside industry professionals.
Since the scholarship program began, the Foundation has now awarded 121 scholarships totaling $653,000, while continuing to expand the ways it connects young people with opportunities throughout the industry.
For scholarship recipient Brodie Dantin, that support has meant being able to focus on what comes next.
“Receiving the Palmisano Foundation Scholarship is a tremendous honor that provides both financial relief and motivation to continue striving toward my educational and career goals. This support allows me to focus more on my studies, bringing me one step closer to achieving my dream of making a meaningful difference in the construction industry.”
Beyond scholarships, the Palmisano Foundation continues to build pathways into the industry through mentorship, hands-on training, and partnerships with Son of a Saint, New Orleans Career Center, Junior Achievement New Orleans, and unCommon Construction.
“The success of this year’s Renegade Fest is a testament to what we can achieve when purpose and collaboration come together,” said Sherry Serio, Director of the Palmisano Foundation. “A big thank you to our dedicated sponsors and employees who share the Palmisano Foundation’s commitment and vision to empower the next generation of builders.”
Renegade Fest 2026 by the Numbers
$183,400 raised for the Palmisano Foundation
37 AEC scholarships funded in 2026
121 scholarships awarded since the scholarship program began
$653,000 in scholarships funded to date
5 scholarship recipients interned at RNGD in 2026
45 cash sponsors and 14 in-kind sponsors supported this year’s event
300+ attendees came together for Renegade Fest 2026
The record set at Renegade Fest 2026 represents more than one successful event. It means more students gaining access to education, more opportunities to experience the industry firsthand, and more young people seeing a future for themselves in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.
For more information about the Palmisano Foundation, its scholarship program, and opportunities to get involved, visit www.palmisanofoundation.org or contact Sherry Serio at (504) 620-8022 or sserio@palmisanofoundation.org.
