Warren, Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey Community Action Agency’s (WWISCAA) main holiday and fundraising event is just around the corner.
Scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Washington County Convention Center, WWISCAA’s Board of Directors and Staff are putting the finishing touches on their 32nd annual Fundraising Banquet and are extending an invitation to those in the community who would like to be a part of the fun-filled night.
The purpose of the event is to raise funds to augment ongoing projects and services that benefit the homeless, elderly and destitute communities in the Mississippi Delta region.
The agency will also take the opportunity to honor community members for their persistent contributions to society through humanitarianism, volunteerism and community services.
This year’s theme is “Dreaming of Italy” as the banquet will be reminiscent of the country known for its mesmerizing landscape, rich artistic treasures, deep ties to its cultural past and warm people.
WWISCAA’s goal this year is to raise $50,000.
Each year, funds generated from the banquet are used to supply aid to the elderly and disadvantaged individuals who otherwise would go without everyday essentials, such as safe homes, food, warmth and cooling.
Because of the generosity of sponsorships and donors, over 500 individuals benefitted from funds donated to the banquet last year.
Jannis Williams, executive director WWISCAA, said she and the agency want very much to continue to help needy individuals so they too, may have the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.
“We recognize that our chief function in the community at all times is to serve to the best interest of the needy,” she said.
Those who wish to do so can contribute to the agency’s efforts by becoming a sponsor, which varies as there are different sponsorship levels. Singing up as a sponsor will include a table with amenities at the banquet.
Sponsorship Opportunities are as follows:
n Pink Star Sponsor: $5,000 (includes eight tickets, table in front of arena, large party tray of Hors d’oeuvres, four bottles of champagne and recognition in program book inside front or back page and listing)
* Diamond Sponsor: $2,500 (includes eight tickets, table in front of arena, large party tray of Hors d’oeuvres, four bottles of champagne, and recognition in program book)
* Pearl Sponsor: $1,000 (includes eight tickets, table in front of arena, medium party tray of Hors d’oeuvres, two bottles of champagne, and recognition in program book)
* Ruby Sponsor: $550 (includes six tickets, table in middle of arena, small party tray of Hors d’oeuvres, two bottles of wine and recognition in program book)
* Emerald Sponsor: $350 (includes six tickets, table in middle of arena, two bottles of wine and recognition in program book)
* Sapphire Sponsor: $220 (includes six tickets, table, one bottle of wine and recognition in program book)
* Friends of WWISCAA Sponsor: (Donation)-$100 (listing in program book)
* Individual Tickets: $40 per person (seated in general public area, no wine)
For those interested in extra wine, attendees may preorder it with his or her sponsorship at $10 per bottle; wine will not be sold at the banquet.
A Red Carpet Social Hour will begin at 5-6 p.m., during which there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served, opportunity for photos and live music rendered by Jazz Persuasion.
From 6-6:45 p.m. a pre-show featuring the PC Band of Memphis, Tennessee, will kick off followed by the banquet beginning at 7 p.m. with dinner and live entertainment.
The 2019 Honorees will be Frank Carlton of Maranatha Assembly of God receiving the Humanitarian Award; Mission Mississippi, Amy Manning and Lurann Thomas all receiving the Ruby Frisby Community Service Award; Jean Turnbough of WABG receiving the WWISCAA Partnership Award; Yolanda Johnson receiving the Youth Advocacy Award; and Pandora Redmond receiving the Shining Stars of the Mississippi Delta Award.
Immediately following the banquet, there will be a free after party complete with food and drinks in which attendees can stay and join WWISCAA’s staff and the PC Band as they sing popular songs from all genres: R&B, Old & New School, Jazz, Pop and Blue Grass.
