Annual Awards Banquet and Fashion Show
Each November The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties celebrates the year behind us and prepares for the year ahead with our own special service of thanksgiving, the Annual Awards Banquet and Fashion Show. Over 300 people usually take part in this free public event, held this year at the City of Oxford’s Oxford Civic Center
The purpose of this event is threefold:
Awards Banquet
The Arc recognizes individuals, educators, political groups,media, civic groups, volunteers , businesses and families who have made a significant personal achievement or contributed to the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the previous 12 months or more.
While the number and subject matter of awards given differs each year, categories generally include:
- The Personal Achievement Award
- Employer of the Year Award
- Partnership Award
- Volunteer(s) of the Year Award
- Educator of the Year Award
- Media Award
- Distinguished Community Service Award
- Administrator of the Year Award
- Family Involvement Award
- Outstanding Service to People with Developmental Disabilities
- Professional of the Year Award
- Arc Member of the Year Award
- The Lolan Granger Award
- The Nan Christian Award
- The Mrs. D Award
The Arc’s Awards committee if always on the lookout for worthy recipients. If you know of someone with an intellectual/developmental disability or a person or persons who have helped to better the lives of someone with an I/DD, please contact Arc staff member Debra Harvey, banquet and fashion show coordinator.
Fashion Show
The banquet is also a time when Arc consumers of all ages ( and all Arc programs) get to strut their stuff on the runway by modeling their favorite wares in front of the banquet audience. This highly coveted spot in the night’s activities is limited to the first 25 or so models*, so would – be participants need to get on the list early.
Contact Debra Harvey to sign-up or for more information.
*recent participants are asked to sit out for at least one year before modeling again!
General Membership Meeting
The Banquet also serves as The Arc’s yearly General Membership Meeting, when dues – paying Arc members vote on the new slate of officers and members of the agency’s board of directors and voice their will on various pieces of Arc business, such as changes to the agency by-laws.
To become a member of The Arc, or to check on the status of your membership, please contact Betty Kelley at 256-236-2857.
