The 30th Annual Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards banquet was graced by the presence of the lady for whom the exclusive event is named – Deen Day Smith Sanders, who have the keynote speech Held Tuesday evening in the ballroom of Georgia Southern University’s Nessmith-Lane Continuing Education building, the invitation-only event has recognized almost 1,000 citizens since its inception in 1989, touting their accolades for improving the community through dedication to charitable organizations, filling community needs, putting others before themselves and practicing benevolence. The awards were named for Sanders, known for her own lifetime of serving others, giving financially as well as of her own time and effort. In speaking to guests Tuesday night, Sanders reminded everyone of the importance of their words.