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The members of The Toledo
Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction & Top Teens of
America held their annual prayer breakfast on Saturday,
January 26 at the Radisson Hotel on the campus of the
University of Toledo Medical Center with the theme of
“Inspiring Others Through Praise.”
This year, the Ladies
brought on board several community organizations to
participate in the event. Those programs, projects and
partnerships included the Sickle Cell Anemia chapter and
director LaShardae Scott; National Council of Negro Women
and director Janice Taylor, Books4Buddies and founder Laneta
Goings and Boots for Bare Feet under the guidance of Top
Ladies member Delores Bates.
This year’s mistress of
ceremonies was Denise Black-Poon, the chapter’s second vice
president and project chairman. Mary McKinley-Reed, the
chapter’s president welcomed the ladies and their guests –
then the partners and project participants were welcomed.
The women representing the
partners gave inspirational stories on how each organization
works to provide services to the community and how their
groups have affected the lives of others and how they can
provide assistance through reading and information.
The Top Ladies’ program, Boots for Bare Feet, helps children
who need boots to stay warm during winter. Boot donations
are ongoing and can be accepted at anytime. The boots were
donated to The Toledo Lucas County Children's Services.
The breakfast attendees were ministered during the prayer
breakfast by two praise dance performances that delivered
God's message through music and dance by Janay Temple and
the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Total Praise Dance
team.
The Toledo Chapter Chaplain Lady Clara Brank blessed the
food as guests fellowshiped during a buffet breakfast.
TLOD's shining star at the prayer breakfast was Rev. Sheree
Madison-Emery, the guest speaker who motivated and inspired
everyone in attendance. As she "Inspired Others Through
Praise,” she left the audience spiritually motivated and
enriched by her message. Her high energy and enthusiasm for
God and what he's done, uplifted guests and reminded them
that they can overcome their struggles with a positive
attitude..
Madison-Emery also blessed prayer cards that each guest
filled out to send out prayers for their love ones.
The Top Ladies Of Distinction Inc Toledo chapter was
recognized by Toledo City Councilman Larry Sykes with a
Council Resolution applauding the hard work that is being
done in the community with the chapter’s programs, projects,
partnerships.
Denise Cardwell is the chapter's program chairman and, as
such, focuses on the National Programs, Thrust and
Partnerships. The National Thrust promotes Top Teens of
America, status of women, senior citizens, community
beautification and community partnerships. The John H.
McKissick Senior Center representatives and seniors were
also present in support of the Prayer Breakfast. Future Top
Teens of America (TTA) were also in attendance. The Toledo
Chapter youth are ready to serve as they are guided and
mentored by the adult members as they take on leadership
roles with Top Teens of America (TTA).
Officers and ladies of the Toledo chapter also include:
Marianne Wilkins, recording secretary; Clara Petty,
corresponding secretary; Barbara Tucker, financial
secretary; Elizabeth Flournoy, treasurer; Madelyn Standard,
Top Teen advisor; Wanda Terrell Galloway, director of
operations, Sheryl Riggs; Clara Brank, chaplain; Delores
Anderson, sergeant at arms and Delores Bates, historian
Certificates and special recognition were presented to
representatives from Sickle Cell, NCNW, Books4Buddies, Boots
for Barefeet, Janay Temple and Total Praise Dancers by
President McKinley-Reed.
Prayer Breakfast co-chairmen were Black-Poon and Terrell
Galloway.
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