Festive birthday decorations adored the tables for the Birthday Brunch, which was the culminating activity for the 2006 Xi State Convention. As members entered the banquet hall, they quickly found their assigned table with the help of table hostesses who held their table numbers high. With Xi State President Elaine Warwick presiding, Ann Watkins, president of Alpha Beta Chapter, welcomed the members.
After a tasty and sumptuous brunch, Elaine introduced the Past Xi State Presidents that were in attendance at this year's convention. Those attending included: Becky Sadowski (2003-05), Vera Jo Henegar (2001-03), Doris Ann Hendrix (1999-2001), Dr. Jensi Souders (1995-97), Linda McCrary (1993-95), Janice Sorsby (1991-93), Dr. Willene Paxton (1989-91), Lois Jones (1987-89), and Liz Whorley Bradley (1981-83).
Marilyn Ivey, Vision Foundation Chair, made a special presentation to Liz Whorley Bradley for her continued support of the Xi State Vision Foundation. In fact, one of the Vision Foundation grants is named after her. Linda McCrary, Vision Foundation board member, announced the winners of the drawings from those members that had made contributions to the Vision Foundation. Arkansas native Carolyn Pittman, SE Regional Director, extended her thanks for the gracious hospitality shown to her during the Convention and invited everyone to attend the 2009 SE Regional Conference, to be held in Little Rock.
President Warwick recognized the first-time attendees and asked them to line up across the front of the banquet hall. Over 40 ladies responded and Lisa Lane, Beta Beta Chapter, was the winner of a certificate for a fully paid convention registration for 2007!
One of the highlights of the morning was the announcement by Elaine Warwick that $6,311 was collected on Friday for Trent Lott Middle School to help replace whatever is needed in the library. Elaine proudly presented the money to a tearful Sandra McKieron, a teacher at this Mississippi school. Xi State has adopted Trent Lott MS and several members have travelled to Pascagoula, Mississippi, to help catalog and organize the newly donated/purchased library materials. Another group of Xi State members made plans to travel to the school this fall to continue their work in the library. With this latest check, Xi State members have raised over $12,000 to help get Trent Lott MS back on its feet!
Elaine Warwick and Nancy Harris, Xi State 1st Vice-President led those assembled in an inspiring Recommitment Ceremony. After singing the Delta Kappa Gamma Song, goodbyes were said, memories made, and plans for next year were already in the works! All that is needed is YOU!
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