The AAEC has created a bank account to pool donations from its members for contribution later this year to the Sacramento Bee's Sebastian Babin Education Fund. Sebastian is the 10-year-old son of Rex and Kathleen Babin. Rex, who was the Sacramento Bee’s staff cartoonist and served as 2010-11 AAEC president, died March 30 following a year-long battle with cancer.

Rex was a hard-working and devoted member of the AAEC. It’s the board’s hope that the total amount of member donations pooled in this AAEC-administered account will represent its collective gratitude and appreciation, and likely exceed whatever amount the association could pay out of its limited funds. In addition, the AAEC is planning to place collection jars at different locations during the annual convention scheduled for Sept. 13-15 in Washington, DC.

The total amount collected will be donated to Sebastian’s Bee-administered education fund following the convention.

Any AAEC member who wishes to donate directly to that fund is encouraged to do so. However, We'd like to let everyone know that this alternative means of donating is available. The AAEC will keep track and inform the Babins of who donated.

Those interested in contributing via the AAEC can send a check made payable to the AAEC, 3899 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110. Be sure to clearly indicate on the check’s memo line that the amount is to be deposited in Sebastian Babin’s account.

Thanks!