Triangle Park Chapter of The Links, Inc. Hosts 23rd Annual White Rose Luncheon
Cary, NC – The Triangle Park Chapter (TPC) of The Links, Incorporated hosted its 23rd Annual White Rose Luncheon Jazz Edition at the Prestonwood Country Club in Cary on June 10, 2017. Over 350 individuals attended this signature fundraising event.
TPC President DiJuana McDougal said “We are excited to see attendance, collaborations, and enthusiasm grow each year. The generous support of our White Rose attendees and sponsors allows us to better serve the Triangle community and beyond. ‘Many hands make work light.’ We are honored to join hands with our community partners throughout the year, as we work collectively toward making a difference locally and globally. I am proud of the incredible work of our Chapter members and look forward to reaching even higher heights next year.”
The White Rose luncheon offers an opportunity to highlight TPC’s public service accomplishments and impact. “We are grateful for all that the TPC Chapter is doing for our students,” said Dr. Kimberly Ferrell, principal of Burton Elementary School and 2017 luncheon attendee. “The TPC Links have helped in so many ways including providing food for students in need, supporting our Phenomenal Girls academic success and leadership program, proctoring for our EOGs, and giving hats, gloves, and socks to students for Christmas. The kids light up having them at our school. They know the Links are there because they care.”
2016 -2017 was another great year of impact for TPC. The Chapter’s accomplishments included: providing 34 weeks of weekend meals (1,700 bags) to 50 students at Burton Elementary School and distributing 10,811 pounds of food; at Reaching All Minds STEM Academy, sponsoring 50 students in the BUMP afterschool music enrichment program, purchasing iPads and coats for 5th graders, tutoring in reading and math, and equipping the biotechnology lab; supporting international students and offering financial aid at Saint Augustine’s University; sending 100 dresses to children in Jamaica and Haiti; increasing voter registration and education and sponsoring Links Day at the Capital; hosting kids’ health workshops and partnering with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the Women’s Health Awareness Conference.
Tisha Powell, news anchor for ABC11-WTVD and TPC Links member, served as the 2017 mistress of ceremonies. Gilbert Baez, news reporter for WRAL-TV, was guest auctioneer, engaging the audience in a lively competition for auction items. Guests dined and enjoyed an exceptional smooth jazz performance by the Stanley Baird Group. A silent auction was also a popular feature of this year’s luncheon.
“This event is a celebration of both the power of serving the community and the power of partnerships,” said Norma Petway Smith, 2017 White Rose Luncheon Chair. “We are happy to recognize the great work of our Chapter members and to thank our donors for helping to make this work possible.” Dr. Karrie Dixon and Lorie-Ann Lee-Carter served as 2017 luncheon co-chairs. This year’s sponsors included AT&T, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Hertzberg Furs, and Prestonwood Country Club.
The Links, Incorporated was founded in 1946, and is an international women’s service organization dedicated to civic, educational, and cultural activities, all designed to address identified needs in the community. Since 1984, the Triangle Park Chapter has provided services, both locally and abroad, in five areas: The Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services.
For more information about Triangle Park Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, visit http://www.triangleparklinks.org/
(Photos by Davenport Projex Photography)