The Madison Metropolitan Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will host their 7th Annual Community Recognition and Scholarship Jazz Brunch where they will honor five individuals and one organization for their tremendous contributions to the greater Madison community. The event, which is the Chapter’s major fundraiser and benefits local, talented students of African American descent who aspire to higher education, will take place Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4402 E. Washington Ave.
Individuals and an organization will be recognized for their strong contributions to the community and beyond, preferably in one or more of the Links’ five program areas: The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, Health and Human Services, Services to Youth.
The 2016 honorees include Shiva Bidar, Director of Community Partnerships at UW Health; Michael Johnson, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Dane County; Barbara McKinney, Manager, Community Youth Courts at Dane County Timebank; Dr, John Y. Odom, president of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute; Dr. Eva Vivian; and the CUNA Mutual Group.
The Links were first chartered in Madison on Aug. 31, 1985. Since its inception, the chapter has committed its membership and resources to educational, civic, and intercultural programs, and projects designed to enhance the academic achievement of K-12 students of African descent in the greater Madison and Beloit metropolitan areas.
On top of recognizing outstanding community leaders, this fundraising extravaganza also features a delicious brunch, live jazz and door prizes. The social hour begins at 11 a.m. and the brunch and program will start at noon.
Proceeds will benefit the Chapter to award scholarships in 2017. The Links present those scholarships to students at their annual African-American Student Recognition Program at Madison College in May. This is one of their most important student-related endeavors where the Madison Links present almost 1,000 certificates of recognition to K-12 African-American students — elementary, middle, and high school — in the local area upon recommendation by their teachers.
Tickets for the 7th Annual Community Recognition and Scholarship Jazz Brunch can be purchased online here. For more information, e-mail [email protected]
