The Atheist Community of Austin celebrated its 10th birthday on Saturday, February 11th at the Ventana del Soul community center. The event commemorated the 10th anniversary of the filing of ACA's corporate charter on February 10th, 1997, creating ACA as a corporation chartered in the state of Texas.

Between 35 and 40 present, past, and potential members were in attendance to hear Atheist Community of Austin president Matt Dillahunty gave a "State of the ACA" address. Matt spoke on accomplishments of the last year, progress of various committees, financial condition of the organization, and plans for the future.

A panel of founding members discussed their memories the early days of ACA, what the experience of finding a group of atheists was like, and how the group moved forward from its humble beginnings. Several noted the contributions of particular people, especially Kellen Von Houser, who founded and did much of the "grunt work" in getting ACA up and running. Panel members Keith Berka, Janet Swisher, Mike Dolph, Joe Zamecki, Jeff Dee and Don Rhoades were all signers of ACA's Declaration of Intent in December 1996.

At the conclusion of the event, as those present enjoyed birthday cake (decorated with the ACA logo) and champagne, Don Rhoades offered the following toast:

To ten years as a community, united in non-belief,
After ten years, we're still here (much to our relief!)
To bagels and beignets and brunches with atheist heroes.
To the Atheist Experience, the Non-Prophets, (and birthdays that end in zero!)
To meetings and actions, and long debates on the net,
For ten full laps around the sun, (and Son, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!)

We look forward to seeing everyone at the 20th birthday celebration!

Photos from the Event

Founding members, Don Rhoades, Jeff Dee, Joe Zamecki, Mike Dolph, Janet Swisher, and Keith Berka.

What would be a celebration without champagne?

... and birthday cake? ("Happy Birthday ACA -- Ten Great Years!")

ACA President Matt Dillahunty doles out the cake.

Participants enjoying the event.

More smiling faces.

A shot of the audience.