By Michael Daniels
Journal Staff Writer
What an evening it was Friday, June 3, 2022, when Toledo’s Beta Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. hosted the national sororities’ 82nd Midwest Regional Conference here in Toledo at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio. Approximately 200 guests attended the elegant semi-formal affair that was also a night to recognize those people in the community who are making a difference by doing what they do.
Jacqueline Quinn the President of the local Beta Gamma Chapter said. “Tonight, we took the time to recognize community members who are making our community stronger. To select these individuals, we look at three things they do that coincide with the sorority’s Y.E.S.’ program, which stands for, ‘Youth, Education, and Service. All our honorees tonight minister to each one of those areas in one way or another, and we are delighted to nominate each one of them. These people are the chosen because there are so many who are worthy, but unfortunately, we cannot recognize everybody tonight.”
The program began with the Moderator, Dorothy Batson the Public Recognition Dinner Chairperson. This was followed by a Musical Prelude by vocalist Deborah Gardner and her Friends of Jazz Band. Next Conference Coordinator Pandra Taylor gave the official Welcome, and LeTanya Dandridge, the Midwest Regional Recording Secretary, did the Introduction of Dais Guests. She was followed by Greetings from the President of the Beta Gamma Chapter, Jacqueline Quinn and Vikki Pruitte-Sorrels the Midwest Regional Member-at-Large. Additional Greetings came from Charlotte Williams: Guest Past National President, Margarette Galloway: National President, and Midwest Regional Director, Tiffany M. Pritchett. Once again there was a musical selection by Deborah Gardner and her Friends of Jazz Band, followed by the Midwest Regional Chaplain Rev. Maggie Burns who gave the Invocation before dinner was served.
Dinner consisted of a choice of a vegetarian plate or chicken and steak plate with a house salad, dessert, and beverage. In addition, guests were serenaded by the smooth and mellow sounds of Deborah Gardner and her Friends of Jazz, once again. This musical groups added just the right touch of class and elegance to the affair, and their live performances were supreme and over the top throughout the evening.
After dinner, the awards and recognition portion of the program began. Starting off with City of Toledo Councilwoman at-Large Cerssandra McPherson, who presented a resolution from the City Council, to Toledo’s Beta Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. It was accepted by the Midwest Regional Director, Tiffany M. Pritchett. Receiving the 82nd Midwest Regional Literacy Award was Author and Playwright Honorees Bonita Adams and Honoree Clara Petty: Executive Director, Monroe St. Neighborhood Center. Helen Sallee presented Honoree Rev. John C. Jones the Outstanding Education Award; he is the President of Hope Toledo PreK Program. Tina Hall presented Honoree Sonia Ramell McNair, CEO, and founder of SONIA Organics with The Outstanding Community Service Award. Patrece Maggott awarded Honoree Linda Hannibal-Collins the Outstanding Soror Award, and Jacqueline Quinn bestowed The Beta Gamma Literary Award on Children s Book Author Honoree Myra G. Love.
Jacqueline Quinn Beta Gamma Chapter President said, “the last time we got to host the Midwest Regional Conference was in 2002. In our region, there are 25 chapters and every chapter gets to host the Conference, this year it came back to us, and we were honored tonight to be the host again. For tonight, I would like to thank everyone who came out, all our honorees for the work they do, the great band who entertained us, and for the support, we get from our regional and national presidents and regional Director. This was an awesome night for celebrating and tonight that is what we did, we had a celebration!
The program ended with closing remarks by Tiffany M. Pritchett, Announcements by Apryl Buchanan the Midwest Regional Correspondence Secretary, and Rev. Maggie Burns delivered the final Benediction.
