Rep. Vernon G. Smith, I.U. Dons, Inc. president announced earlier this week that a small number of tickets are still available for the I.U. Dons, Inc. & Donnettes Blue Ribbon Steering Committee’s 48th Anniversary Education Banquet. This annual event will be held on Saturday, October 27 in the Genesis Convention Center. It starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m., awards presentations, and special entertainment.
The theme for this year’s banquet is “Education: The Gift That Keeps On Giving.” Smith heads a committee of nearly 20 representatives from various civic and social groups and organizations.
Smith said a distinctive feature of the evening will be the keynote address delivered by the winner of the Dons’ 2018 Oratorical Contest. The high school winner will be selected by a panel of judges coordinated by the Gary Community School Corporation. The topic is the same as this year’s banquet theme. Smith added 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 $20.00 per person and 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.
