The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. celebrated 40 years of service  on May 3 at the Lee Lockwood Library, 2801 W. Waco Drive. Entertainment was provided by Chyna Robinson’s interactive Murder Mystery troupe and the Jazz and R & B sounds of Natural Change. Both groups are Dallas based.

 

“We are very excited about this extraordinary evening of entertainment to the Central Texas area,” said Chapter president and co-chair Josette Ayres. ”Proceeds benefitted the Pack of Hope Child Hunger initiative and community projects of the Waco Links, Inc. 

 

 

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 270 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

 

Locally the organization works to build a stronger community by promoting and engaging in educational, civic and intercultural activities in order to enrich the quality of life for all.

 

Some of the Waco Chapter’s local initiatives include:

 

Links Fit: Childhood obesity initiative that encourages physical activity and positive self-esteem in teens

 

Think Pink with Links: Breast cancer education and awareness program targeted to women of color

 

Bronze Eagle Fly-In: Encourages and exposes area youth K-12 to STEM activities and careers

 

Breakfast with Santa: Promotes the arts and the well-being of family

 

The Waco Chapter supports and collaborates with various organizations in the Waco, Marlin, Temple, Harker Heights, Killeen and surrounding communities. Organizations include: • The American Cancer Society • Alzheimer's Association • Susan G. Komen • Habitat for Humanity• Restoration Haven Talitha Koum Waco Cultural Arts Center Doris Miller Memorial ProjectArea schools Be the Match Bone Marrow Registry

 

“Last year we had a chapter cumulative of 1,849 service hours,” said Terri Woods-Campbell, Vice President of membership. The service area of the Waco Chapter of The Links extends across the Central Texas region. We proudly serve and are expanding our programming in these communities.

 

The 40th anniversary will help the chapter raise funds to support these efforts and to give back to the Central Texas community, said co-chair Sonya Todd.

 

“There are various ways to support the Waco Chapter's 40th anniversary celebration--including sponsorships and purchasing either tickets or advertisements in the chapter's playbill,” Todd said.

 

History of the Waco Chapter

 

The Waco Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered in 1974 in Waco, Texas. Link Dolly Adams petitioned the chapter’s charter, while on leave from the Angel City Chapter of Los Angeles, Calif.

 

The formal installation of the Waco Chapter was held on May 25, 1974, with Link Vera Codwell, the organization’s then national vice president, serving as the installing officer. Waco Chapter Charter members were Beulah Barksdale, Marguerite Bennett, Joann Clark, Martha Forney, Dolores Harris, Iris Harrison, Barbara Hobbs, Jean B. Manning Vivienne Mayes, Deloris Reid. The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. has flourished since its inception.