First State Community Action Agency to host dinner Nov. 18

First State Community Action Agency will host its annual anniversary celebration event at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, at the Dover Downs Hotel & Conference Center in Dover.

The dinner recognizes partners and supporters who have assisted First State in meeting its mission to address the causes and conditions of poverty, and to commemorate 54 years of Empowering People and Changing Lives.

This year, First State Community Action Agency will honor Amy Walls, principal of community affairs at Discover Bank, with the agency’s prestigious Stanford L. Bratton Award for her leadership and service.

“Amy Walls has been a true friend to First State and the clients that we serve,” said Executive Director Bernice Edwards. “Her quiet, humble leadership has served as an example for all of us.”

For decades, Walls has served on nonprofit boards and community service organizations that address housing, poverty and human services for Delaware’s most vulnerable families.

First State will also recognize Bank of America as the 2019 Community Partner for its community service and support.

As has been a tradition, the keynote speaker will be a hometown hero. This year, All-American and NBA veteran Laron Profit, a Dover native and Caesar Rodney High School graduate, will share his story. Edwards said, “It is inspiring to have Mr. Profit be a part of our celebration. His ethic of service and giving back to community are values that First State embraces.”

The evening will feature music, gourmet cuisine, an exciting auction, recognition ceremony and the keynote address. The business community and public are invited to take part in this special anniversary event by becoming an event sponsor or purchasing tickets.

Edwards said, “The evening will include an auction, with the highlight being a Harriett Tubman mural signed by the artist, Michael Rosato, who is a Maryland-based artist specializing in large-scale murals. Mr. Rosato’s most recent work was a 24-by-14-foot mural of the former slave Harriet Tubman, who was the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad. A version of the mural of Harriet Tubman has been graciously given by the artist for First State to sell in its auction. This will help First State Community Action Agency to continue the great work for our communities, helping one family at a time. First State relies on charitable donations to support its mission to help people in need.”