SHINING BRIGHT AS EVER

60 years of service

Links’ LR Chapter celebrates Diamond Anniversary at glittering gala

When the invitation itself is as big as a magazine and studded with faux diamonds, you just know it's going to be a special event. Indeed, the 60th Diamond Anniversary gala of the Little Rock Chapter of The Links Inc. was a celebration for the books.

The black-tie benefit, which grossed about $200,000 for Links programs, took place Nov. 11 in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center and was a one-time replacement for the chapter's usual first-Saturday-in-December jazz brunch. The Sounds So Good jazz group provided music before the program. Master of ceremonies was Vickie Newton, journalism instructor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Links member.

Chapter members appeared onstage in a portraitlike freeze pose before being introduced one-by-one. A video showcased the work of the chapter, which started in 1956 as a local affiliate of the then-decade-old national organization.

In her pre-dinner remarks, chapter president and event chairman Gloria Love welcomed and thanked guests, supporters and sponsors, praised her "hardworking" Links sisters and recognized special guests.

Later, the Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards drew guests out on the dance floor for a trip down memory lane with a bevy of Temptations hits including "Cloud Nine," "Ball of Confusion," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Treat Her Like a Lady," "I Wish It Would Rain" and the super-popular "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." They even threw in the group's venerated rendition of "Silent Night."

Carrying on a mandate to help improve the quality of life of underserved citizens, The Links Inc. operates through five program areas: the arts, international trends and services, services to youth, health, and national trends and services. The Little Rock Chapter's myriad efforts include scholarships, activities designed to fight childhood obesity rates and helping to build and support the Valentine School in South Africa.

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 11/20/2016

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