Approximately 100 community members gathered Saturday evening in the banquet hall of Eatonton First Methodist Church for the 34th annual Mothers Against Crime banquet.
The event featured reflections on community progress, youth achievement, and the importance of preserving local history.
The annual gathering brought together civic leaders, educators, students, and residents for an evening centered on the organization’s long-standing mission to strengthen Putnam County through opportunity, mentorship, and community involvement.
Mothers Against Crime founder Georgia Benjamin-Smith delivered much of the evening’s energy and inspiration, frequently drawing laughter from the audience while underscoring the importance of community responsibility and preserving local history.
“We need to go back to the village concept,” she said. “And all of them belong to me. I’m going to be watching you and keep up with what you do.”
She also encouraged young people to pursue their goals and believe in their potential.
“You can be whatever you want to be,” Benjamin-Smith said. “When I look around, I still see doctors and nurses and professors. Make something out of yourself.”
As the keynote speaker, Eatonton Mayor John Reid praised the organization’s commitment to local youth and its role in helping guide generations of children toward success.
“Someone has to look out for that child when their parents can’t,” Reid said. “And even when the child does not even know someone is looking out for them, we must look out for our children so that the light of the world and the light of Eatonton never extinguishes.”
Reid reflected on his own upbringing, crediting his parents with instilling values that shaped his life and referencing the biblical instruction “to train up a child in the way he should go.”
He also highlighted Eatonton’s growth during his years in public service, recalling a time when the city faced limited infrastructure and development opportunities.
“Cities don’t create jobs,” he said. “They create an environment that is conducive to job creation.”
The organization also recognized individuals who have helped sustain its mission over the years.
Founding MAC member Brenda Bonner received a special certificate in recognition of her 34 years of dedicated service and support. Benjamin-Smith presented the award, describing Bonner as one of those who had stood beside the organization “the entire time.”
Benjamin-Smith also recognized MAC’s 2026 scholarship recipients, including recent Putnam County High School graduate Amario, who was one of two students selected for a $500 scholarship upon college enrollment. The second recipient, Gatewood Schools graduate Kimley Mendez, was also recognized.
Speaker Mozema Kay highlighted the importance of educational opportunities and scholarships, sharing a personal story about her daughter benefiting from a 1994 Mothers Against Crime scholarship.
“When my youngest daughter graduated, she received a scholarship from Mothers Against Crime for $250,” Kay said. “Together with the money we had saved, she was able to enter college.”
Kay noted that her daughter went on to earn a master’s degree and become a successful educator, adding that MAC has awarded at least 132 scholarships over its 34-year history.
“A grant or a scholarship opens the door for you to pursue an education in any field,” Kay said. “Education is valuable to you, and it will open any door you choose to enter.”
Throughout the evening, speakers returned to themes of unity, service, and community responsibility. As the banquet concluded, Benjamin-Smith encouraged residents to support local history, continue mentoring local youth, and work together to improve the community.
“We want unity in our town,” Kay said. “When we learn to honor our differences and appreciate what we have in common, we help our town grow in unity, harmony, and love.”
After 34 years, the message of Mothers Against Crime remained clear: building a stronger community begins with investing in its people.
In his closing remarks, the mayor pointed to neighborhood revitalization efforts, housing developments, and renewed commercial activity as signs of progress in Eatonton. However, he emphasized that the work is far from finished.
“Eatonton truly is thriving,” Reid said. “And I’m not about to quit on her.”