The I.U. Dons, Inc. & Donnettes Blue Ribbon Steering Committee’s 47th Anniversary Education Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 28 in the Genesis Convention Center.
The banquet program will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., an awards presentation, and special entertainment.
Rep. Vernon G. Smith, president of the Organization of Indiana University Alumni and Undergraduates, is general chairman for this year’s banquet, dubbed “Education: Hope For Tomorrow.” Smith heads a committee of nearly 20 representatives from various civic and social groups and organizations.
Smith said a distinctive feature of the evening is the keynote address, which will be delivered by the winner of the Dons’ 2017 Oratorial Contest. A panel of judges, coordinated by the Gary Community School Corporation, selected the high school winner. The topic is the same as the banquet theme.
Smith noted that thousands of dollars in scholarships will be presented in memory of the late George R. Coker. Coker was executive director of the Urban League Of Northwest Indiana when he died in 1971.
Two citizens will be honored for outstanding service rendered in aiding the impoverished and furthering the thrust for education.
Tickets to the event are available from the I.U. Dons & Donnettes, committee members, and at Beautiful Things, 3570 Village Court. The donation at the door is $25.00.
