Local AKA Chapter Holds 50th Anniversary Gala

By Jennifer L. Warren

WEST POINT – “Service to Mankind.”

Those three words, guided by sisterhood and scholarship, have been the overriding mantra for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Iota Alpha Omega Chapter and their “philanthropic arm,” the Mid-Hudson Ivy Foundation, Inc. for five decades, positively impacting the lives of innumerable people in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region. Whether it’s through charitable donations, service projects for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Camp S.T.A.R. (Survivors Together Always Remember) which meets the needs of children of fallen heroes, providing meals at annual soup kitchens, adopting a local family at Christmas, holding mini health fairs and financial workshops, or providing scholarships to deserving students from challenged areas in the region, the committed Chapter, of the 111 year old Sorority with 300,000 members world-wide, has been selflessly giving, while making area residents’ lives better. That diligence, along with much more, was celebrated Saturday evening at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theater, inside Ike Café, at the 50th Anniversary Gala, dubbed “An Evening of Elegance & Excellence.” Proceeds from the event assisted the group’s Scholarship Fund Inc. which has awarded and distributed over $100,000 in scholarship opportunities and book awards to area high school seniors since 1970, helping to broaden their outreach throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley.

The Gala was further an opportunity to recognize two area individuals as well as another two organization champions whose passionate and dedicated work have left a positive and powerful imprint on the lives of countless people. This year’s honorees were: Brandon Walker, Chef and Owner of Essie’s Restaurant in Poughkeepsie; Dr. A.J, Williams-Myers of the African Roots Library in Kingston; the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh-Poughkeepsie; and the Grace Smith House in Poughkeepsie. Each was touched by the esteemed recognition.

“Every day it’s my goal to provide a great service to the community, and sometimes when you are so focused on that, you don’t think about how others see it all; it’s just not on your radar,” said Walker. “So, when I am recognized, it makes me feel very good, special, and validated, and I can bring that honor back to my team, which then motivates them to be recognized for what we all do.” Walker, reflecting, added, “My passions are cooking and hospitality, and getting an honor like this, really keeps me inspired to move forward and be even more creative and effective with my craft.”

Representing the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh-Poughkeepsie was Kevin White, Executive Director. Carrying a mission to allow all young people to reach their full potential in all facets of life through The After-School Project, SmARTS and Triple Play programs, the Club is a pivotal part of both its cities. The recognition by, as well as assistance provided to them from the Iota Alpha Omega Chapter and Mid-Hudson Ivy Foundation, were touching and much appreciated on multiple levels.

“This honor is special,” affirmed White. “It truly means something to receive it from an organization with such a rich, long history of giving and doing good work in the community; it means so much to us.”

The recipients were not alone in the depth of feeling that radiated throughout the evening.

“Saturday’s Evening of Excellence was simply magical and purpose-driven; it was not only a celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Iota Alpha Omega Chapter’s 50th year of existence in the Mid-Hudson Valley, but also an opportunity to uplift community partnerships and like-minded supporters,” said a very pleased and grateful Sonya Fiol-Grant, Iota Alpha Omega Chapter President. “The proceeds from this event will afford us to do more and also give a portion of the catering proceeds to the Corp of Cadets at West Point.” Fiol-Grant added, “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Mid-Hudson Valley with the alignment of our heads, hearts and hands.”