White roses were everywhere from the tabletops to the stage at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel, where this elegant décor set just the right mood for The Links, Incorporated, Pontchartrain Chapter "White Rose Evening" on May 31, 2014.
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| Sarah Moody-Thomas and Vernon Thomas |
The Pontchartrain Chapter, founded May 20, 1994 with 26 charter members, became The Links, Incorporated's 254th chapter, the third one in New Orleans. The gala was a way to mark the chapter's 20th anniversary and to honor its members.
Mistress of Ceremonies Camille Whitworth guided the night's program, with the highlight being the introduction of members. For this, a history of the chapter was read, starting with the announcement of the charter members, then of others who were introduced according to their year of induction until 2014 was reached. By the end of the history, all chapter members present at the event (current and former) had formed a semi-circle in the center of the room for recognition and applause.
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| Currita Waddy, Hattie Broussard and Debra Neveu |
Among The Links, Inc. members who attended were Dr. Sarah Moody-Thomas, the chapter president, accompanied by her husband, Vernon Thomas; Currita Waddy and Dwayne Pierce; Hattie and Terrel Broussard; Debra and Wayne Neveu; Rhoda Timpton with mother, Mary Timpton, a charter member of the chapter; Renee Gusman and Sheriff Marlin Gusman; Drs. Janet and Shelton Barnes; Claudia and Lloyd Clark; event co-chair Judge Regina Bartholomew and Jimmy Woods; and event chair Eneid Francis, who is also the Southern Area Director for The Links, Inc.
The night also included music by violinist Shaun Ward, who played through dinner, followed by Gina Brown and Anutha Level, whose interpretations of popular songs kept party-goers entertained and dancing.
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| Judge Regina Bartholomew and Eneid Francis |
The Pontchartrain Chapter focuses locally on a mentoring program at McDonogh #35 School, for seventh- and-eight grade girls; and provides annual donations of musical instruments to schools (of which McDonogh #35 was this year's recipient) — those are two key components (Services to Youth and The Arts) of the five key service components. The other three are National Trends and Services; International Trends and Services; and Health and Human Services. The Links, Incorporated is marking its 65th year, with the first chapter founded in Philadelphia, Pa.
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| Rhoda Timpton, Jonathan Wilson, Carolyn Lewis, Centrell Ewell |
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| Yvonne Mitchell-Grubb, Renee Gusman, Marlin Gusman, Tonia Moore |
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Janet Barnes, Lloyd Clark and Claudia Clark
Revised from an article in the NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune published June 5, 2014.
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