photo credit: Stephonia McLinn)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham(AL) chapter of the Links, Incorporated welcomed over 350 guests to An Evening with Friends, the organization’s inaugural fundraising gala at the Harbert Center on Saturday, May 17th. The event brought in over $50,000 that will be used to support the chapter’s programs.
Bobbie Knight and Debra Nelson served as co-chairs of the gala that began with a strolling fashion show sponsored by SAKS Fifth Avenue and a live music reception featuring Birmingham native Kim Scott, a nationally renown jazz flautist. Following the dinner, guests danced to music by the band Kliche that featured Birmingham School Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon on saxophone.
Guests also bid on auction items that included a personal shopper and gift certificate from SAKS Fifth Avenue, a three day – two night stay with limousine and dinner from MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, original artwork, and other items.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, guests, and members for their outstanding support of this event,” said Chapter President Vanessa Falls.
Guests included Judge and Mrs. UW Clemon, Judge and Mrs. Ralph Cook, and Judge Carnella Greene Norman. Birmingham school board President Randall Woodfin, as well as school board members Daagye Hendricks and Lyord Watson, Genoa McPhatter, aunt of Honorary Link Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bell, Jeff and Lois Germany, Ron and Rosilyn Houston, Vickie Ausmer and Winston Ausmer were also among those in attendance.
The Birmingham (AL) Chapter also welcomed Links members Tracey Morant Adams, Dr. Jarralynne Agee and Connecting Link Dr. Robert Agee, Charletta Sheehy, President of the Magic (AL) City Chapter and Connecting Link Dwight Sheehy.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the educational and community service programs sponsored by the Birmingham (AL) chapter of the Links, Incorporated. One of those programs is JAMS, Joining Artists and Musicians in Schools. Currently 30 students at Putnam and Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle Schools participate in the program that provides music education, instruments and interaction with various artists.
Members of the Birmingham (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated include:
Vanessa Falls, President
Janine Pearson Johnson
Dr. Monique Gardner-Witherspoon
Anne Hooks
Malena Cunningham
Angelene Whatley
Brenda Adams
Carnetta Nabors Davis
Samuetta Primus Nesbitt
Camelia Holmes
Ronda K. Bell
Dr. Cathy Bradford
Rhonda Cantelow
Dr. Mia Cowan
Dr. Marquita Furness Davis
Martha Emmett
Daagye Hendricks
Gaynell Hendricks
Kim Hitchens
Diann Jackson
Marva Owens James
Jewrette Yvonne Johnson
Cheryl Anderson Kidd
Bobbie Knight
Carol Kirby McElderry
Debra Nelson
Judge Nyya Parson-Hudson
Dr. Deveta Peoples
Erica Williams Prewitt’
Stephanie Rayborn
Dr. Anabela Simon-Lee
Shandra Jackson Smith
Demetruis Taylor
Tamara Jones Travis
Dr. Cheryl Cephus Vickers
Debra Weston-Pickens
Iris Williams
Bonika Wilson
