ABOVE PHOTO: The Links Inc. officers take a group photo (from left); Leslie Graves, corresponding secretary; Robin Bush, Esq., recording secretary; Dana Lynn Capers, financial secretary; Cheryl Bullock, vice president; Linda Wormley Meade, president; Brenda Maiden, archivist; Florence Wright, Esq. parliamentarian; Veronica Hill-Milbourne and Kimberly Lloyd, co-chairs ways and means committee. (Photo: Robert Mendelsohn)
By Patricia Gilliam Clifford
Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter of the Links, Inc. hosted its biannual signature fundraiser, Sunday, May 19. The theme of this year’s event — which was attended by 450 people — was “Delightful Dance Party with a Purpose.”
The upbeat affair took place at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.
“The event will support the charitable, educational and community outreach programs of the Links, Inc.,” chapter president Linda Wormley Meade said. “This year marks an impressive 55 years of service for the Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter of the Links, Inc.. Since its inception in 1964, the chapter has been engaged in the larger Philadelphia area with some outstanding projects including: voter education and registration, preventative health, arts education and many more.”
“Of special note, are two recent programs: Self-eSTEAM at the historic Wissahickon Boys and Girls Club, sponsored by the Lenfest Foundation, and a new mentoring initiative in 2018 at Girard College promoting girls of color in STEAM related careers.,” she continued. “Additionally, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc. supports several international programs, including RISE Against Hunger, to distribute over 100,000 meals to combat hunger in developing nations in the Caribbean and Africa and substantial financial support of orphanages in Ghana and Kenya.”
Current officers serving with President Linda Wormley Meade are: Cheryl Bullock, vice president; Robin Bush, Esq., recording secretary;, Leslie Graves, corresponding secretary; Renee Smith, Esq., treasurer; Dana Lynn Capers, financial secretary; Veronica Hill-Milbourne, chaplain; Dr. Ann Gillis Waiters, immediate past president; Jacqueline Manns Smalley, nominating chair, and Dr. Shawn Blue, program chair. Other members of the executive team are Florence Wright, Esq., Brenda K. Maiden and Staci Johnson. The Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter of the Links, Inc. is distinguished as one of the largest chapters in the Eastern Region with a roster of outstanding members.
The afternoon was a refreshing experience from beginning to end. Guests enjoyed cocktails, terrific vendors and great conversation as they mingled before the program began. There was an enjoyable musical interlude by Phililayva.
Links chapter member and FOX News 29 broadcast journalist Joyce Evans was the afternoon’s mistress of ceremonies. Event chair Kimberly A. Lloyd led members, who entered with well-choreographed dancing, which set the tone for a fun afternoon.
Monique Braxton-Royster, the event co-chair, did a terrific job working with Dr. Blue on the fabulous raffle baskets.
Lloyd extended a warm welcome to everyone. Following her was vice president Cheryl Bullock, who graciously acknowledged special guests, including Philadelphia Sunday SUN publisher Catherine Hicks; WDAS- FM radio personalities Frankie Darcell and Patty Jackson; City Councilman Curtis Jones; Cheyney University of Pennsylvania president Aaron A. Walton and myself.
Congratulations and best wishes to Delaware Valley Chapter of the Links!. It was a wonderful “party with a purpose” and your service to our community is commended.
For more information about the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Links, Inc., visit: www.delawarevalleypalinks.org.
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