Officials of the Embassy Suites in Little Rock may not have had Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in mind when they decorated the hotel’s Grand Ballroom in pink and green. But the color scheme has been a fitting backdrop over the years for the Ivy Ball, presented by the Beta Pi Omega chapter and The Ivy Foundation of Little Rock.
The 19th annual event took place Feb. 15, with “An Evening of Elegance and Talent Celebrating Timeless Service” as its theme.
LaTrese Johnson was event chairman.
Festivities began with a silent auction and an opportunity to mingle prior to a dinner of panseared chicken breast sauteed with mushrooms, artichoke hearts and capers in a lemon butter and white wine sauce.
Chapter president Tjuana Byrd greeted attendees, as did Mary Louise Williams, foundation president, during a short program. Byrd noted the 10-year anniversary of the foundation, whose financial contributions led to the purchase and restoration of the historic Jenkins House, recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Edna Ricks, foundation vice president, summarized its purpose: to raise money for Beta Pi Omega chapter programs.
Highlighting the ball was a dance performance to “Mary, Don’t You Weep” by the Tidwell Project, and an a cappella rendition of “Summertime” by Shay Watson.
Nicky Parrish and Kemistri provided entertainment and a prime opportunity for guests to work off dinner on the dance floor.
High Profile, Pages 40 on 02/23/2014