Twin Rivers Links turn Easton hotel into Winter Wonderland
Photo By Terry
Gilliam
Shawnda Wilkinson of Potomac, Md., shows off a Christmas ornament to her grandmother Wanda Penn at the holiday brunch and auction presented on Sunday by the Twin Rivers Chapter of Links Inc.
By Felix Hoover
For YourNewsColumbus.com
A dusting of snow outdoors authenticated the Winter Wonderland theme of a popular local fundraiser presented by the Twin Rivers Chapter of the Links Inc.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, about 650 members, friends and supporters braved the weather to attend the organization’s 17th Annual Holiday Brunch and Silent Auction at the Hilton Easton.
A procession of members dressed in white began the program, which was emceed by WBNS-10TV Anchor Tracy Townsend.
After greetings by chapter President Sue Moore, Central Area Director Teree Caldwell-Johnson offered brief remarks.
The Links are professional women who are “not only capable, but committed and they are not only fruitful, but faithful,” she said.
After Caldwell-Johnson’s comments, attendees were directed to the buffet tables where brunch fare awaited.
A variety of goods and services were up for bids, including Christmas ornaments and dolls, artwork, jewelry and clothing. Of course Ohio State paraphernalia is never out of season for avid Buckeye fans, so items autographed by Shawn Springs and Archie Griffin were also guaranteed money makers.
The market value listed in the event program showed donated items ranging from $20 for black angel tea light holders to $800 for shawls and a cashmere scarf with rabbit fur.
Actual and potential bidders were able to check the status of their offers as they walked through the buffet line to fill their plates.
Totals have yet to be tabulated, but proceeds from the event will be used to support programs locally and abroad in the arts, education, health and social services.
The Twin Rivers Chapter, organized in 1988, in one of two chapters of professional women in central Ohio, the other being the Columbus chapter.
Both chapters are part of the international organization founded in Philadelphia in 1946 by Margaret Hawkins and Sarah Scott. Nationally, the Links have more than 10,000 members in 270 chapters in 42 states, Washington and the Bahamas.