The St. Louis Chapter of Links, Inc. held their inaugural Celebration of Mothers Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Links representing all three area chapters as well as friends and family helped to fill the beautiful space. In keeping with the Mother’s Day theme guests were asked to don hats, pearls and gloves and they did!
Everyone looked beautiful. Link Ida Goodwin Woolfolk served as the delightful MC. Greetings were offered by chapter President Mary Thomas and greetings by Event Chair Joyce Price. Event Co-Chair Leonor Buchanan blessed the occasion.
Inaugural awardees for this grand affair were Katrina Williams Addison (co-founder – St. Louis Slammers) for Health and Human Services, Lois Ingrum (The Doll Project) – Honoree for the Arts, Patrice Gathings Henderson (AHA Go Red Campaign) – National Trends and Services, Dr. Patricia Wolff (Meds and Foods for Kids) for International Trends and Services, and Dr. Eva Frazer (St. Louis University School of Medicine Health Resource Center) for Health and Human Services.
A highlight for many was the presentation of the event’s souvenir program with surprise ads for many Links members from loving family members. The souvenir booklet project was headed up by Link Shanti Parikh with the assistance of several chapter members. Chapter Media Coordinator Ivie Clay says this will be a biennial affair.
A few of the well-hatted ladies at the Ritz were Sandra Murdock, Anyta Wilson, Georgia Rusan, Lena Rush, Belma Givens, JoAnn Adams, Beverly Price, Gail Allmon, Shannon McMurray, Karen McMurray, Cheryl Young, Teri Bascom, Sarah Woolfolk Edwards, Esther Haywood, Villajean Jones, Shirley Kayira, Carol Bryant, Renee Ewing, Cleodora Ewing, Raquelle Wallace, Mary Riley Douglas, Karen Watkins, Lynette Watkins, Esther Beeks, Angela Brown, Veria Williams, Patreece Broadus, Alicia Smith, Lisl King Watkins, Barbara Dorsey and her Mom, Jacquelyn Garrett, D’Anne Shelton, Joyce Balls, Michelle Williams, Neely Williams, Lendell Williams and Louise Frazer Forrest. Â
Cinco de Mayo – Take 5! Jeralyn Williams James and Janet Jackson Williams hosted their 5th Annual Ladies Only Cinco de Mayo Soirée. The annual ladies event was held atop the beautiful Clayton on the Park rooftop. Nacho Mommas catered delicious Mexican fare. Eye candy for the evening were hosts William James, Aaron Amos and Janet’s nephew. Friends local and from afar enjoyed this remarkable event.
A few senoritas on the roof included Jerda Riley, Ingrid Taylor, Dianne Powell, Bettye Reed, Gail Holmes, Doodie, Charmaine Manse Simpson, Dana Walker, Susan Smith, Barbara Jackson, Kathy Smith, Gwendolyn Key, Lydia Johnson, Christina Bennett, Cathy Broussard, Jan Banks, Jackie Hamilton, JP, Patrice Greer – Atlanta, Stephanie Russell – Atlanta, Brook Edmonds – Atlanta, Shanti Parikh, Lynn Kennedy, Susan Buford and Erika Sandiford.
Congratulations to Malcolm Robinson, University of Missouri at Columbia graduate. Malcolm graduated May 24 with a B.S. in philosophy. Flanked by family and friends those in attendance included Michael and Stacey Hancock Cash, Dr. Zavon and Jackie Kanion, Musheer Robinson, Faraji Whalen, Tiffany Kanion Simpson, M.D. and Alan Kenneth Simpson, Esq., Mandela Robinson Cocores, nieces, Misses Caroline and Elizabeth (Lilly) Simpson.
The celebratory weekend concluded with a dinner party for the graduate Sunday evening at Caldwell’s in Clayton. Dinner guests included Marilyn Hicks, Dr. Michael and Pamela Crittenden, Alexis Crittenden, Charles Crittenden, Dr. Joseph and Eleanor Simpson, Ernie and Linda Hancock Ross, Dr. Rosalyn Mason, Roland and Jeri O’hara Lewis, Edith Granberry, Yvonne Chatwell, Dr. Ingrid Taylor, Earciel Canaan, Billie Jean Randolph, Yours Truly, Jerry Hunter, Inez Ross, Catherine Ross, Hilliard Hicks, Destin and Kylah Green, Alex and Lynn Hromocky, Ken Gorrell, Aaron Katz, Zelda Goodman, Leland Cash and Kathy Gates.
Guests enjoyed a scrumptious Cardwell’s dinner, dancing and a video presentation highlighting some of Malcolm’s memorable college days and fun times with his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers.
Have a great week!
Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
