Hey, gang:
First off, I want to thank all of the members and friends of the DBHS Ebony Club who came out this past weekend to support our first annual Reunion Weekend in Kingsport, Tennessee. It was great seeing everyone, and I'm looking forward to doing it again in two years (July 1-3, 2011).
Next, I want to thank the core group of individuals that walked with me every step of the way. Gretta Maxwell Simon was the first person to step up to the plate, followed by James "Trippy" Deal and Kandes Dungey. Also, Johnnie Mae Swagerty was instrumental in securing a slot for us in the Kingsport Fourth of July Parade. Special thanks to Lisa Williamson for printing up 100 Ebony Club t-shirts (which are still available for purchase) and, with the help of Dawnella Ellis, getting a banner made for the occasion. Lisa also presented a video at the Ebony Club banquet memorializing our deceased classmates. Thank you, Lisa, for all your hard work.
Singing sensation Bonita Williamson Johnson was also in town, and she sung an excellent song for Coach Dudney and Dawnella at our Ebony Club banquet. William McClintock opened us up in prayer, while his wife, Ramona "Twinkle" McClintock, read Coach Dudney's bio and presented her with an appreciation plaque. Seana Stewart Meddling closed us out in prayer, offering one that paid tribute to both the past and the present.
During our July 4th banquet, Dawnella announced the creation of the Virgealia Ellis Scholarship Fund. We are still working out the specifics for this fund, but please know it's success will be dependent upon our monetary contributions. Stay tuned for additional details under the FORUM tab.
Right now, the Ebony Club Alumni Association is a program sponsored by PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS Nonprofit Services Division, my not-for-profit organization. However, my intent has always been to give it its own set of legs. Do we want to pursue state certification as a not-for-profit organization?
Jeff F.
STILL TO COME: JEFF FOCUSES ON WHERE THE EBONY CLUB ALUMNI ASSOCIATION GOES FROM THIS FIRST REUNION. THAT ARTICLE IS FORTHCOMING..LOOK FOR IT HERE!
