While the Links Inc. is well known for hosting especially glamorous social events and fundraisers, they are consistently involved in hands-on work in our community.
On Nov. 10, the group sponsored a morning service project, hosted by the Penn Towne Chapter Links. chairperson of the 2012 Keystone Cluster Celebration Joye McDonald-Hamer said, “There is no better exercise for the heart than to reach down and lift people up."
Joye and fellow chapter member Sharon Parks, who coordinates public relations for the club, wanted to stress the Links’ efforts to make tangible contributions to the community, especially those in need.
Link members enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves and prepared nutritious food boxes to be shipped and delivered to those in need. They did so at SHARE Food Program at 2901 W. Hunting Park Ave. in North Philadelphia. The SHARE Food Program is a nonprofit organization serving a regional network of community organizations engaged in food distribution, education, and advocacy. The activity included children and grandchildren of Link members to help instill a spirit of community service in them as well.
Penn Towne Chapter President Thelma Henderson said, “Our volunteer efforts at the SHARE Center Warehouse are representative of our commitment to public service as well as our concern for the nutritional health of our community, especially our children. A major initiative of The Links Inc. focuses on combating childhood obesity. Not too long ago, Philadelphia had the dubious honor of being known as “America’s Fattest City.” A major reason for this state of obesity had to do with our diets. We realize that some neighborhoods do not have easy access to supermarkets, or if they do, the cost of food, especially fresh, nutritious food, can be prohibitive. We are very supportive of the SHARE program because it helps to provide nutritious foods to families who are unable to afford supermarket prices.”
The Links Inc., Keystone Cluster held a “Sensational Sunday Friendship Brunch and Founder’s Day Celebration” on the following day at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in King of Prussia. The focus of the afternoon was the service the Keystone Cluster provides to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the state of Delaware, the nation and the world. There was recognition of the years of service that alumnae members committed to the community.
Highlights of the day included the melodic melodies of the Keystone Cluster Choir, accompanied by Donald Robinson, minister of music at Christian Stronghold Baptist Church and former jazz musician with the late Grover Washington Jr. Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilwoman Marian Tasco, a Link member, also presented a citation from Philadelphia City Council to the founders for initiating a community service legacy that has existed for more than 66 years. The founders will also be recognized in the nation’s capital when the American flag that Link Karen Ingram of Wilmington presented to the club’s area director, Dianne Hardison, is flown at the Capitol.
Ninety-nine-year-young Ann Garrott delighted attendees by sharing a few of her remarkable experiences. Other “Out & About” included: Stephanie Watkins, Tanya Deyo, Scheryl Glanton, Kym Ramsey, Dr. Emily Pollard and Dr. Annette Turner of Penn Towne, Rosalind Williford and Deborah Camp-Frye of Bucks County, Cheryl Bullock, Ann Chain, Raye Johnson and Ann Waiters of Delaware Valley. Blanche Jackson, Mary Jones and Patricia Thomas of Dover, Del., Deborah Davis and Verna Edmonds of Harrisburg, Mila Chavis, Diane Duggin, Cheryl Pleasant, Cecelia Robinson, Deanna Shelton and Ellen Thomas of Montgomery County, Daria Kirby Crawley and Rosa Miller of Pittsburgh, Velma Goode, Marcella Rouhlac, Betty Shelton, Stephanie Watkins and Sherilyn Johnson-Kimble of Philadelphia.
Congratulations and continued best wishes to The Links Inc. The Keystone Cluster did a fantastic job as they honored founders Sarah Scott and Margaret Hawkins, who would most certainly be proud of their contributions to the community.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
