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The Chilton Auburn Club prepares for this year’s 51st Annual Unsung Hero Banquet on April 27 with a sense of added pride following the club’s latest recognition.

The club was the recipient of two awards from the Auburn Alumni Association that recognized the Chilton County chapter as a top 10 contributing Auburn Club, as well as reaching the century level with more than $100,000 in endowment.

According to club president Nyra Luster, the money raised by the club is strictly to fund scholarships for kids from Chilton County that will be attending Auburn University.

There are two different scholarship funds with the club. The majority of raised money goes toward two annual scholarships, while another scholarship is offered through an endowment fund.

“For years to come that money will grow and grow,” Luster said. “It is stipulated that the scholarship must go to a senior who is attending to a Chilton County school.”

Chilton County earned the top 10 standing after competing with 90-plus Auburn clubs throughout the world that consist of major metropolitan areas.

“It was due to a very generous donation from someone who loves both Auburn and Chilton County,” Luster said.

The name of the donor will be announced during the Unsung Hero’s Banquet at the Jemison Municipal Complex on April 27.

“As small as our club is, we’re hanging with them,” Luster said. “We have really proven ourselves.”

This year’s recipient of the Unsung Hero Award will be Joshua Holsey and the guest speaker for the event will be Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs. Aubie, Auburn’s mascot, will also make an appearance at the banquet.

Holsey recently finished up his career as a defensive back for the Auburn football team. He started 31 games and compiled 118 tackles, while also being named to the 2016 SEC Academic Honor Roll.

The John McAfee Spirit Award will also be handed out to a member of the club during the banquet.

“It’s for people who roll up their sleeves without being asked during club functions,” Luster said.

The banquet has been a continued tradition since 1966 and has honored people not just from football, but the athletics program as a whole. It is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., but those attending are encouraged to come early for autograph and photo opportunities.

“We have the best board of any club in the world,” Luster said. “Everybody pitches in no matter what’s going on. I’ve never been around a group like this.”