ABOVE PHOTO: Dr. Darlene Adams and “Community Achievement Award” recipient Patricia “Pat” Augustus Gilbert. (Photo courtesy: Keeping Children First, Inc.)
This year’s event recognized the 89th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Patricia Gilliam Clifford
By Patricia Clifford
The 2018 Salute to Greatness Gala –which recognized the 89th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.– was held at the Flourtown Country Club on January 13th.
Keeping Children First, Inc., the not-for -profit, Philadelphia-based organization was the sponsor of the gala. The organization’s mission is to, “end bullying, promote nonviolence, promote discussion, improve education on the subject, and provide resources to schools, families and all organizations, to help prevent it.”
From left: Dr. Darlene Adams, Dr. J. Donald Dumpson and Executive Vice President of Keeping Children First, Inc. John L. Adams (in center). (Photo courtesy: Keeping Children First, Inc.)
“Keeping Children First, Inc. provides much needed opportunities to at-risk children and a philosophy to all children and those who service them that non-violence and non-bullying is the TAA philosophy (Teaching Acceptance Amicably),” said president and CEO Darlene Adams.
The organization was founded in 2012 by Adams’ daughter, Trina Antoinette Adams, who spent her life dedicated to studying the clinical behavior of bullying with a goal of finding a meaningful, broad-based solution. Less than a year after the organization’s founding, Trina tragically died after an injury in a bullying incident.
Honoring her daughter’s memory, Adams now leads the charge, dedicating herself to educating young people and all who service them, in order to alleviate bullying and furthering the cause in Trina’s name. Adams’ organization has served more than 1,000 children in the past five years, providing educational resources as well as special experiences, including concerts with local performing arts groups and field trips to innovative companies like Microsoft, to continue to inspire children and foster a better, more engaged community.
From left: Dr. Darlene Adams, President and CEO of the Trina Antoinette Adams Center for Keeping Children First, Inc.; Drs. Karen and Myron Yanoff. (Photo courtesy: Keeping Children First, Inc.)
This year’s outstanding honorees were U.S. Navy Seal, Lt. Commander Ernest Bryant, “Badge of Courage Award” recipient; H. Patrick Clancy,“Civic Humanities and Service Award” recipient; Myron Yanoff, M.D., “International Medical Achievement Award” recipient; Robyn Medina, “D.O. Service” and “Family Strengthening through Medicine” Award recipient; Andrea Lawful Sanders, “Social Equity Award” recipient; Dick Gregory, Advocate for Justice Award recipient (posthumously)-accepted by Glenn Ellis and Patricia “Pat” Augustus Gilbert, “Community Achievement Award” recipient. Robert Wesley “Bobby” Hill– who sang “You Raise Me Up” — received the “2018 A.N.G.E.L Award” and J. Donald Dumpson, Ph.D. was the “Heritage Award-Timeless Contribution” recipient.
Previous Advancing Non- Bullying and Non-Violence Through Generations of Exceptional Leadership (A.N.G.E.L.) recipients in attendance were: Nazir Alston, Lauren Chappell, Camille and Candice Holt. Other recipients included Michael Joynes, Michael B. Lee, Esq. and Cedric Napoleon.
From left: Dr. Darlene Adams with A.N.G.E.L. Award recipient Robert Wesley “Bobby” Hill. (Photo courtesy: Keeping Children First, Inc.)
Other attendees enjoying the evening included Trudy Haynes, Bernard Lee, Esq., Michelle V. Lee, Esq., Brian Kersey, Carla Stinett-Miller, Bonnie Murdah, President; Judge Smith-Ribner (retired), Dr. Blanche and the Reverend Donzell Watson and Dr. Benjamin Gilbert.
The evening featured musical selections by Gina M. Thomas, Esq. from Governor Wolf’s Office of General Counsel. Valerie Gay, Laurice Kennel, Lewis Wilson, Esq., Damina Durham, Michele Darden, Deidre Napoleon, Marianne Fuccio, Cornelia Camp, Deborah Camp-Frye, Arlene Hilton, Jane Skodzinski, Stephanie Edgecombe, Brenda Burns and and Rebecca Tidwell were also among distinguished guests.
“Every year, this occasion provides an opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and corporations that emulate the philosophies and values of Dr. King in their daily practices- a man of nonviolence,” Adams said.
Congratulations to Darlene Adams for her commitment and dedication, all 2018 honorees and supporters of this stellar event!
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