The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Pi Omega chapter will host a Gospel Extravaganza on Long Island in conjunction with the Pearls & Ivy Foundation of Queens, the philanthropic arm of the sorority, to help raise scholarship funds for high school seniors from the borough.
Surprising the audience with some of the best vocalists and musicians from the tri-state area will be multi-platinum producer Stanley Brown, who has produced for Bishop TD Jakes, Shirley Ceasar, The Temptations, LL Cool J, Run DMC, India Arie, Bell Biv DeVoe and more, according to Naomi Hills, the fundraising chairwoman of Pearl & Ivy.
The fundraising goal of the event, which will take place at the Long Island Marriott Hotel & Convention Center (located at 101 James Doolittle Blvd.) from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 11, is to raise $30,000 to over 40 students, according to Hills.
Guests are expected to dress in their “Sunday’s Best” for the event that is from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and includes a luncheon, according to the chairwoman. The food includes a chicken and salmon with a side of garlic mash potatoes and a braised kale salad.
“Guests do attend with festive attire because we have a photographer,” said Hills. “Our guests love to make a fashion statement.”
Guests can show off at the Regal Photobooth and some could possibly win either $500, two coach bags, a Massage Envy gift certificate, a Trader Joe’s basket, or a Keurig from a raffle, according to Hills. A wine basket, Cheesecake Factory gift certificate, floor covering provided by Kenneth L. Mink & Sons and a Lord & Taylor basket are also prizes at the event.
If you are a football fan you can participate in the silent auction for an autographed football and poster by either the New York Giants or the New York Jets, according to Hills.
Both football teams, Coach, Hirschfield & Associations, Miss Jessie’s, Trader Joe’s, Cheesecake Factory, Lord & Taylor, Marriott, Kenneth L. Minks & Sons, Regal Photobooth and philanthropist Lu-Shawn Thompson, one of the producers of the Broadway play “American Son” starring Kerry Washington have helped towards sponsoring or making contributions to the event.
Any donations made towards the scholarship is tax deductible.
