I thank each member for your participation in the Memphis Chapter Scholarship Assistance Fund Banquet held on November 14, 1998. Without a doubt this was a major project for any chapter, let alone a chapter which received its charter only a few months prior to this event. Many individuals were impressed.

Countless hours were spent preparing for the Silent Auction and Banquet. For example: 1) Contracting with jazz singer Nancy Wilson to perform at the event and the providing of transportation, lodging, musical instruments, sound equipment, etc. for her performance; 2) Coordination with the Adams Marks hotel for exhibit space, banquet room, menu and meals, etc; 3) Securing and transporting numerous items for the silent auction ranging from meals valued at $10.00 to a 1999 Cougar car; 4) Printing, promotion and sales of over 600 tickets; 5) Sales of ads for the program book; 6) Assembly and printing of a program book; 7) Obtaining method for optional credit card payments of auction items we sold; 8) Arranging for exhibits by Egypt High School AFJROTC and BPA; 9) Securing an Emcee, Tuskegee story presentation, youth volunteers, and photographer; 10) Everything else I failed to mention.

I am grateful for the hard work by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Willie Palms and the 1998 Gala Committee members Laurie Brown, Rudy Character, Lelvin Crowe Jr, Lynn Crowe, Paul Donalson, Raymond Francisco, Wilanda Francisco, Sadie Gill, Laura Holley, Gideon Ngah, Sue Palms, Bernard Shackelford, Al Smith, Lori Tronsor, Frank Wallace, and Jacqueline Wallace.

Last but not least, a special thanks to Lynn Crowe, Sue Palms, and Jacqueline Wallace. Your tireless efforts toward making this event a success did not go unnoticed and from the other members and I, thank you! Your persistent hard work made the difference.