Last Friday, South Austin Coalition Community Council (SACCC) celebrated 30 years of service to the Austin community. The banquet dinner was held at the Regency Inn, 5319 W. Diversey. Their theme was “Fight Back With SACCC.”
Staff and members each year honor and acknowledge their beloved founder and president, Ed Bailey, who passed away in 2006. For the past three decades, SACCC has spearheaded efforts to unite and assist the residents of Austin, emphasizing citizen involvement and working with many organizations and institutions in Chicago. Lights turned off, buildings with problems, seniors needing help, young people needing help, court appearances-these are some of the areas where you will see SACCC members getting involved in the Austin community.
Master of Ceremonies for the gala was Tom Jones and some of the best oldies were spun by DJ Larry D. Fulson. Chairman of the banquet was Ruthie Hooker and the dinner committee included Rev. Elizabeth Bynum, Jennie Caldwell, Lillian Drummond, Dorothy Daniel and Juanita Rutues.
The banquet began with Rev. Bynum giving the invocation, followed by the singing of the Black National Anthem. SACCC Vice President Juanita Rutues introduced board and staff.
This year’s Community Service Awards went to Lillian Drummond, SACCC utility chair; state Rep. LaShawn Ford; Commander Al Wysinger; Zelma Cody, SACCC Seniors; Mary Peery, Austin Green Team; Rod Sierra, People’s Energy; Monique Moore, SACCC Education & Labor; and Delores McCain, Austin Weekly News.
Unfortunately Mrs. Drummond was hospitalized and unable to attend. Her award was accepted on her behalf by SACCC organizer Elce Redmond.
