Out & About: AKA luncheon and fashion show

Patricia Gilliam Clifford TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
Feb 7, 2019
Feb 7, 2019
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The annual luncheon fashion show has been held for 61 years. PHOTO BY MARISSA WEEKES MASON

The 1926 Foundation Inc. presented its “Embracing Our Pearls with Elegance” annual luncheon fashion show at the Drexelbrook Catering and Special Event Center on Feb. 2, 2019. The event, which started in March 1958, is co-sponsored by the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s Omega Omega chapter.

PHOTO: Marissa Weekes Mason

The 1926 Foundation Inc.’s co-chairs of the “Embracing Our Pearls with Elegance” annual luncheon fashion show co-sponsored by the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s Omega Omega chapter are from left, Sherilynn Johnson Kimble (1926 Foundation Inc. vice president), Brenda Johnson Best (1926 Foundation Inc. member) and Carol Baker Rice (1926 Foundation Inc. president) on Feb. 2. — PHOTOs BY MARISSA WEEKES MASON

Plenty of men came to support the 1926 Foundation Inc.’s “Embracing Our Pearls with Elegance” event.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. members Elleanor Jean Hendley, left and Sherilynn Johnson Kimble attended the annual luncheon fashion show.

Raelynn, 5, peers out of her sunglasses before the start of the annual fashion show.

Congratulations to the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) and its charitable arm, The 1926 Foundation.

The 61st annual fashion show and luncheon held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Drexelbrook Catering and Special Event Center in Drexel Hill, Pa., was another enjoyable, huge success. Carol Park- inson-Hall, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omega Omega chapter graciously welcomed and thanked more than 700 guests and members for supporting the much-anticipated event. She noted that funds raised will be distributed to students and non-profits this June, thanks to their generosity and support.

Carol B. Rice, President of The 1926 Foundation, Inc. remarked, “The 1926 Foundation is so proud of the philanthropic support of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Omega Omega Chapter. This event for the past 61 years has supported community organizations that provide services to the Philadelphia community. Service is the motto and this affair helps our commitment continue to be successful.”

This year’s milestone event also celebrated the 92-year history and achievements of the Omega Omega chapter. The chapter was chartered in Philadelphia in 1926 and, “remains a thriving organization of nearly 500 members serving communities throughout the city.”

“Embracing our Pearls with Elegance” was the theme of the fabulous event and AKA member and mistress of ceremonies Alex Holley helped to keep that theme on point. Holley, award-winning co-host of “Good Day Philadelphia” on FOX 29- TV, has taken on this role for years, and does so with incredible energy and style.

Premier Productions, directed and produced by Aaron R. Pender, presented the fashion show in grand, couture style. Bridget Word Cunningham, former model and owner of Canvas Soup Day Spa in Chestnut Hill, was the show’s commentator. She seamlessly guided us through an exciting range of the latest styles for ladies and gentlemen as well. The professional models and array of gorgeous designs were sensational, but the real showstopper was the male celebrity segment for many attendees.

The men who modeled in the male celebrity segment are among the most outstanding leaders representing a diverse group of Black men from the Philadelphia region. This year’s line- up included: Marcus Allen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Dr. Donald Generals, President, Community College of Philadelphia; Rev. Jermaine T. Heath,Sr.Associate Minister Coordinator of Bethlehem Baptist Church; Dr. William Hite, superintendent School District of Philadelphia; Judge Glenn Holley of law offices of Glenn Holley, Dallas, Texas; Rev. Donald D. Moore, pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; Rev. Charles W. Quann, senior pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church; Keith E. Seward, assistant director of station operations of SEPTA and the Very Rev. Canon Martini Shaw, rector of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (AECST) and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations to all of these gentlemen for doing such an incredible job!

Guests always look forward to the swag bag auction, vendors and fantastic door prizes. Friendship, fun and fashion always make this a phenomenal fundraising event.

Sherilynn J. Kimble, who co- chaired the luncheon fashion show with Brenda Johnson Best and Carol B. Rice worked with a hosts of diligent committee members. Kimble summarized the affair by stating very simply, “This event is one of my favorites. If service and fashion is your passion, you will love this event.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. officially states: “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 283,000 members in 988 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada and South Africa. Led by International President Dorothy Buchanan Wilson, Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women.”

For more information about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its programs, log onto www.aka1908.com.

Best wishes and congratulations to the Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and its charitable arm, The 1926 Foundation.

Have a fantastic week “Out & About” everyone!