The Washington County Convention Center was filled with laughter, applause and an overall good time Friday evening at Warren, Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA)’s annual winter banquet.
WWISCAA hosted its 32nd annual Fundraising Banquet, themed Dreaming of Italy, which is put together by the organization’s directors and staff.
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 honored various community members for their persistent contributions to society through humanitarianism, volunteerism and community services.
WWISCAA’s goal for this year was to raise $50,000.
Jannis Williams, executive director of WWISCAA, said they always reach their goal or close to it, and she expects to do the same this year.
“Everything is still being calculated and we are waiting on more donation money, but I believe we are going to reach our goal,” Williams said.
Each year, funds generated from the banquet are used to supply aid to the elderly and disadvantaged individuals who otherwise would go without every day essentials, such as safe homes, food, warmth and cooling.
Before the actual banquet began, WWISCAA held a Red Carpet Social Hour and Pre-Show.
At the Red Carpet Social hour, attendees had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy music from Jazz Persuasion, while eating as much food as they liked.
Williams said the turnout at the social hour was great and she was happy everyone enjoyed themselves.
“The social hour was very attended and it went so well that it was hard for us to move them to the pre-show,” Williams said with a chuckle.
To get attendees pumped up and energized for the banquet, the PC Band of Memphis, Tennessee, performed several songs.
The 2019 Honorees were Frank Carlton of Maranatha Assembly of God, who received the Humanitarian Award; Mission Mississippi, Amy Manning and Lurann Thomas, who received the Ruby Frisby Community Service Award; Jean Turnbough of WABG, who received the WWISCAA Partnership Award; Yolanda Johnson, who received the Youth Advocacy Award; and Pandora Redmond, who received the Shining Stars of the Mississippi Delta Award.
Amy Manning, recipient of the Ruby Frisby Community Service award, said feeling honored would be an understatement.
“The Delta is full of people and groups who do a tremendous amount for our community. Bringing awareness to the unwanted animals in our area is a gift that promotes our cause in ways we can’t on our own. We are grateful for the work WWISCAA does here and this award,” Manning said.
WWISCAA’s board members presented Williams with the Executive Director of the Year award to end the night off with surprise.
“I am very honored and appreciative that the board saw fit for me to receive this award,” Williams said.
The evening’s festivities didn’t end when the banquet did. Everyone was invited to attend the free after party, where the PC Band continued to rock the house. Food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks were available for all attendees.
Williams said overall, she felt the banquet was a success.
“It was very well-attended event. I met a lot of first time comers who told me they will be making their way back for next year’s banquet,” Williams said. “I can’t wait to see what next year unfolds.”
Although the theme isn’t planned yet, the date is set for Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.
