WAYNE – ‘Springing Up in Wayne’ will be this year’s theme for the upcoming Wayne America annual banquet in early April.
Tables are filling up as a deadline has been set for Friday, March 29 by end of business to contact the Wayne America, Inc. team to purchase your ticket for the annual banquet.
The banquet will take place at the Beaumont Event & Concert Hall on Sunday, April 7 with a social hour starting at 4 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m. along with a presentation of awards and more to follow.
Director of Economic Development for Wayne America, Inc./City of Wayne, Luke Virgil would like to thank the patrons and those interested in the banquet.
“We have 32 confirmed tables, and we can usually do about 38 or 39,” said Virgil. “So, we’re almost full. I won’t say we’re sold out yet, but we have some opportunity to make a reservation yet.”
Cost per ticket is $35 or for a table of eight is $300. Reach out to the Wayne America office at 402-375-2240.
The four major awards will be highlighted of Most Valuable Patron, Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Educator of the Year.
Donations continue to be accepted for both the silent auction and dessert auction. Earlier this week there were 36 items on the silent auction which will be open from 4 until around 6:30 p.m. on April 7.
“I want to thank the businesses and the organizations that have donated because they’ve got some really big prizes in there,” Virgil added. “Most of the proceeds are set aside so that we can fund two scholarships at Wayne State College. The long-standing Band Day scholarship and then something that we added a couple years ago it’s a business scholarship that’s tied to our organization.”
Following dinner will be the dessert auction with a variety of different treats. Proceeds will benefit the purchase of American Flags to be placed along Highway 35.
The 2023 Most Valuable Patron Nomination will recognize an individual, a business or an organization who has significantly supported Wayne America, Inc. (previously called Wayne Area Economic Development) throughout the year. Last year’s recipient was Christian Student Fellowship.
The Citizen of the Year is used to recognize an individual who has significantly contributed to the general betterment of the Wayne area. Last year’s recipient was Gary West.
The Business of the Year is used to recognize a business who has significantly contributed to the general betterment of the Wayne area. Those eligible are Wayne America (previously WAED) Members being Bronze Business Investor or above. Last year’s recipient was Copy Write.
The Educator of the Year is used to recognize an educator for excellence in the classroom and outstanding involvement in the community. Last year’s recipient was Kim Hix.
Virgil mentioned, Wayne America, Inc. still has several visits to make for membership.
“You haven’t been left out, it’s just a very slow process because we have so much information to share about the change over,” Virgil mentioned. “What our new outlook is for the year, some of the goals that we have for the year and really educating people on why this is the best route for our community and our organization.”
The Wayne America team can still be found at 108 West 3rd Street and reached by phone at 402-375-2240 for more information. Email info@wayneamerica.org with any questions.
