AKA, Omega Omega Chapter and The 1926 Foundation, Inc.
co-host the 60th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show
By Patricia Gilliam Clifford
[More photos from the event in the All Around Philly photo spread]
Congratulations to the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and its charitable arm, The 1926 Foundation, Inc. on its hugely successful and enjoyable 60th Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show held Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Drexelbrook Catering & Special Event Center in Drexel Hill. Nearly 700 supporters and members attended the major fundraiser that also celebrated the rich 91-year history and achievements of the Philadelphia-chartered Omega Omega chapter. The chapter has 500 members who actively serve communities, “All Around Philly.”
Father Martini Shaw, Rector of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and group shot of Philadelphia’s notable men who modeled at the event.
Photo courtesy: Patricia Clifford
Carol B Rice, The 1926 Foundation, Inc. President and Carol Parkinson- Hall, President of the AKA, Omega Omega Chapter, welcomed enthusiastic members and guests ready to have a great time for a great cause. Brenda Johnson Best, Sherilynn Johnson Kimble and Carol B. Rice were co-chairwomen of the signature event. Local AKA Chapter Presidents and dignitaries in attendance were also acknowledged.
“Through the coordinated efforts of both the Foundation and the chapter, all the proceeds from the event will support scholarship and grants to small community organizations whose missions reflect the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.,” the Committee chair said. “An example is the strong and long-term relationship with Career Wardrobe. We have collaborated with this organization for more than 15 years by hosting clothing drives and providing financial support through their Annual Day of Sharing.”
Merissa Herd accepted a donation of shoes valued at more than $500 on behalf of Career Wardrobe from The 1926 Foundation, Inc. and The Omega Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The fashionable shoes were beautifully displayed as table centerpieces and will be sold at its Resale Boutique. Local students will also receive funds raised by the event at the end of the school year.
“I am extremely excited but humbled that this organization has for 60 years, presented this fashion show for the sole purpose of raising funds for our community,” Parkinson-Hall said. “What’s really special about this year is the 110th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The driving force behind our legacy was Ethel H. Lyle, chartering president of the Omega Omega Chapter. We are very excited about our continued service, not only in Philadelphia, but around the globe.”
Award-winning journalist and Fox 29 “Good Day Philadelphia” co-host Alex Holley served as the effervescent Mistress of Ceremonies and is also a proud member of the Omega Omega Chapter. Her father, Judge Glenn Holley and mother Sharyn Holley, have traveled to the event from Dallas since Alex began serving as the event’s M.C. three years ago. The legacy continued with Sharyn Holley being a member of the sorority for 40 years.
The evening’s crowd pleaser featured some of Philly’s most distinguished gentlemen commanding the runway by modeling upscale and up-to-date fashions and supporting the fundraiser. All of these stylish men, members of Black national fraternities, included: Wayne Barnett, Aramark Director of Business Development; Dr. J. Steven Blake, president and CEO Blake Gastroenterology,Associates, LLC; Robert Canady, site director, Carson Valley Children’s Aid; Philadelphia City Councilman Derek S. Green; The Rev. Jermaine T. Heath, Sr., associate minister and coordinator, Bethlehem Baptist Church; Garry G. Cobb, former Eagles linebacker and Fox29 sports analyst; The Rev. Donald D. Moore, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church; Joseph Pailin, Chief Executive Officer, Pailin Financial Group; The Rev. Charles W. Quann, senior pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church; The Rev. Father Martini Shaw, Rector, The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and Judge Glenn Holley from Texas.
It was another great time to be “Around Town in Philly!”
For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its programs, log onto www.aka1908.com.
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