(L-R): Seated past honorees, Jessie Collier DeLoach, Olivia Swanson, Jackie Stephens and Evelyn Dandy. Standing: Richard Shinhoster, Joe Buck, Vickie Minor, director of development; Mayor Otis Johnson, Craig Barrow, Annette Brock, chair; Larry Chisolm, past chair, and Clifford Hardwick. The King- Tisdel Cottage Foundation held its Annual Awards Banquet, Tuesday, June 2 at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon for key community and business leaders at the First City Club.

The Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for September 25, 2010 at the Savannah Hyatt Regency. Gary Sanchez, Region Manager for Atlanta Gas Light is· the Honorary Chairman for this year.

The Awards Banquet is presented each year as a means of recognizing persons who have been consistently noteworthy in their work to improve their surroundings in one of several areas: Historic Preservation, Fine Arts, Public Service, and Education.

The W.W. Law Legacy award is also given to persons who embody Mr. Law's selfless dedication and commitment to this community.

The recipients for 2010 are: Martin Melaver, CEO of Melaver, Inc.; Dr. Walter O.Evans; Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas, Chatham County Commission; Dr. Thomas B. Lockarny, Jr., Superintendent of Schools for the SavannahChatham County Public School System; Alderman Clifton and Mrs; Ernestine Jones, Community Activists.

"The breadth of the talent of the 2010 awardees, and the depth of their contributions to improving critical facets of the human experi- ence, are impressive," says King-Tisdell Board Chair, Dr. Annette K. Brock.

The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation was established in 1981 in Savannah, under the leadership of noted historian, preservationist and civil rights activist W.W. Law, to research, collect and present the African-American historical and cultural experience to the public.

It endeavors to fill the void of information concerning. the contributions of African- Americans, especially in Georgia and the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

Today, the Foundation operates the Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center, which houses the internationally recognized Ulysses Davis Folk Art Collection and art artifacts from around the African Diaspora. The Beach Institute Garden and Garden Level area, which houses the Gift Shop have been renovated and recently reopened.

The Foundation also operates the King-Tisdell Cottage, which is closed currently and will reopen as a museum that presents the story of slavery in Savannah and the coastal region.

The Awards Banquet is also the Foundation's primary activity for securing funds for operating and personnel support.

The banquet is open to the public and will begin Saturday evening, September 25th at 7:30 p.m. A reception is planned at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets for the banquet are $75.00. Tables and sponsorships are also available.

For more information, please contact the Beach Institute at 912-234-8000.