AKA Sorority, Inc. 61st Annual Fundraiser supports community, local students

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ABOVE PHOTO: SEATED FROM LEFT: Keith Seward, SEPTA assistant director, station operations; Rev. Charles Quann, senior pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church; Rev. Donald Moore, pastor Mount Carmel Baptist Church and The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, rector, The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas; Standing from left: the Honorable Glenn Holley, Esq., Law Offices of Glenn Holley, Dallas, Tx; Marcus Allen, CEO, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; J. Steven Blake, DO,M.Sc,FACOI, president/CEO, Blake Gastroenterology Associates; William Hite, superintendent, School District of Philadelphia, and Dr. Donald “”Guy” Generals, president, Community College of Philadelphia were the notable gentleman who walked the runway. (Photo: Robert Mendelsohn)

By Patricia Gilliam Clifford

There was a sellout crowd of just over 700 members and enthusiastic supporters of the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and its charitable arm, The 1926 Foundation’s 61st annual Fashion Show and Luncheon.

The lively affair took place at the Drexelbrook Catering and Special Event Center in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania on Saturday, February 2. 

 “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s current international program, under the leadership of Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, is “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service”, said Carol Parkinson-Hall, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter. “The annual luncheon fashion show has enabled us to exemplify excellence over the past six decades. Proceeds from our annual fundraiser enable us to provide financial support to agencies and organizations that align with our international program initiatives through the Annual Day of Sharing Program.”

Funds from the event will be distributed to students and nonprofits in June. 

The  signature event also celebrated the 92-year history and achievements of the Omega Omega Chapter, which was chartered in Philadelphia in 1926.

The chapter remains as a thriving organization of nearly 500 members, serving communities throughout the city. The theme of this year’s luncheon was, “Embracing our Pearls with Elegance” and the experience certainly reflected the theme. 

Luncheon fashion show committee co-chairs, Brenda Johnson Best, Sherilynn Johnson Kimble, Carol B. Rice, president of the 1926 Foundation, and the event committee members did an incredible job. No detail was overlooked.

Alex Holley did another fabulous job, as she has in past years, as mistress of ceremonies. The high energy Holley is co-host of “Good Day Philadelphia” on FOX 29 and is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The award-winning journalist made quite a few stunning wardrobe changes herself.  

The fashion show, presented by Premier Productions, was a visual feast featuring a range of stylish looks for ladies and gentlemen. Aaron R. Pender, director and producer and commentator Bridget Word Cunningham were excellent. The fashions included luxurious furs, spectacular gowns and more, but the dashing male celebrity models really stole the show. They included: Marcus Allen, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals, president, Community College of Philadelphia; Rev. Jermaine T. Heath, senior. associate minister and coordinator, Bethlehem Baptist Church; Dr. William Hite, superintendent, School District of Philadelphia; Judge Glenn Holley, the Law Offices of Glenn Holley, Dallas; Rev. Donald D. Moore, pastor, Mount Carmel Baptist Church and member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Rev. Charles W. Quann, senior pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church; Keith E. Seward, assistant director, station operations, SEPTA and The Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, rector,The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (AECST) and member, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Judge Holley and his lovely wife Sharon are the proud parents of Alex Holley. All of these gentlemen did a phenomenal job. It was great to see Father Shaw in casual chic jeans carrying a designer duffle. Rev. Quann wowed everyone with his dance moves on the runway.

There was also a swag bag auction, fantastic door prizes and vendors. Everyone enjoyed themusical entertainment and a delicious lunch.

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 283,000 members in 988 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada and South Africa. Led by International President Dorothy Buchanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women.” 

For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its programs, visit: www.aka1908.com.

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