The members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Omicron Mu Omega honored the legacy of “Service to All Mankind” at its annual Founders’ Day Luncheon on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Doubletree Campbell Center.
Themed New Dimensions to a Vision Fair, the event welcomed nearly 400 attendees including city officials, members of various civic and service organizations, and community friends. Fine food and lively music capped off the event that celebrates members that have given 25 or more years of service to the sorority. Ms. Vickie Lewis and Mrs. Floristene Johnson served as event chairmen.
The event kicked off with opening remarks by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. Mayor Rawlings saluted the chapter for its 30 years of service to the greater Dallas community. Through its many donations, hands-on service projects, mentoring programs and community events, the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter has been able to provide over $250,000.00 in scholarships, and countless meals, financial assistance, guidance and career counseling to local youth and families as well as offer support to many global initiatives.
Mrs. Dawn Funches Allen, Omicron Mu Omega President, encouraged attending sorority members to remain dedicated as we rally to achieve the goals and aims of the organization. She stated, “As we continue in our dedication to uphold the principles of Alpha Kappa Alpha, let us remember our commitment to a lifetime of service and continue strengthening our dimensions to a vision fair.”
True to its nature, Omicron Mu Omega Chapter provided a sizeable donation of essential items to support the residents and beneficiaries of Austin Street Center. Austin Street Center is a faith-based organization that provides emergency shelter and services to homeless men and women in Dallas. Their goal is to empower those in need to make responsible choices, create positive change, and obtain economic self-sufficiency. Austin Street Center is nationally recognized for its unique therapeutic program for the homeless. Not only does the Center offer safe, clean shelter and an evening meal for over 300 men and women each night, but it provides substance abuse treatment, medical and psychiatric care, adult rehabilitation, a transitional living facility for clients who qualify, and an interdenominational Chapel.
Seven members of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter were honored for their tireless years of service to the international sorority. Two members reached the 50-year “Golden” milestone: Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton and and Ms. Seretha “Sam” Merchant. Both are retired educators from Dallas ISD and very vital to the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the Dallas communities. Mrs. Hamilton is a charter member and first President of Omicron Mu Omega Chapter. Additionally, five members reached the 25-year “Silver” milestone: Dr. Tameka Lewis-Baker; Mrs. Erinn Marks; Ms. Shanda Riley; Ms. Donna Smith; and Ms. Nichell Sumpter.
The guest speaker for this festive event was Ms. Danette Anthony Reed. Ms. Reed is a Dallas business executive and proud Alpha Kappa Alpha member who currently serves as the International Treasurer for this trailblazing sorority. She is a charter member of Omicron Mu Omega and the first in this chapter’s history to be elected to an international position. She spoke from experience about the joys that come from knowing one has done something that can benefit many. The audience was inspired and encouraged to always consider what can be done to serve and enhance the greater community.
