Holiday Jazz Brunch 2018

Holiday Jazz Brunch 2018

It’s just not the first Saturday in December without the The Little Rock Chapter of The Links Inc.’s Holiday Jazz Brunch. The 2018 incarnation of this brunch — an annual fundraiser for the chapter’s programs and scholarships — took place Dec. 1 in the grand ballroom of the Little Rock Marriott.

Dr. Gloria Richard-Davis and Donna Terrell co-chaired the event. Guests were greeted by red-attired Links members and had the chance to bid on a number of silent auction items before sitting down to the midday meal.

Vickie Newton was master of ceremonies for the program, which began with a video chronicling the history and multifaceted service work of the 62-year-old Links chapter. That work includes the awarding of more than $80,000 in scholarships in the last four years and, for the past nine years, contributions of up to $25,000 each year to the state’s predominately black colleges and universities. President Lana Nayles welcomed attendees, expounded on the chapter’s work, lauded former chapter president Gloria Love for her vision for the group and its work, and introduced each chapter member. Remarks also came from Glenda Masingale-Manson, Central Area director of The Links.

Past scholarship recipients shared words of gratitude, also via video. Live remarks came from 1995 recipient and Links member Beverly Chu Horton, who announced her intention to “pay it forward” via a $3,000 scholarship-fund contribution.

Guests, given the opportunity to donate via smartphone, exceeded the goal of $10,000 in text-to-give donations. In all, the brunch drew more than $100,000.

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