Theater parties have long been a favorite way for the members of Denver chapter of The Links Inc. to raise the money needed to fund its various philanthropic projects.
But if the service and social organization headed by the Denver Foundation’s director of community leadership, LaDawn Sullivan, had to choose a favorite, the vote would seem to go to the 2015 edition. That’s because one of their own was a star of the show.
Membership vice president Jada Suzanne Dixon, daughter of fellow Link Sandra Roberts-Taylor and the late Denver City Councilman Bill Roberts, portrays Oba in the Curious Theatre Company production of “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet.” In addition to her work with Curious, Dixon has also appeared in productions of the Aurora Fox Arts Center, the Denver Center Theatre Company and The Edge Theatre Company.
Sullivan said she hopes the Dec. 16 event chaired by MaryAnn Franklin and Nina Moore will be the start of a new tradition. “Tonight is the first of what we hope will become many more,” she declared as associate producer John Jurcheck extended a welcome — and standing invitation to future productions — to the members and their guests.
The evening began with a cocktail buffet catered by member Kaarin Pigford, herself an actress and director. Pigford’s mother, Jane, also is a Link and was there with her husband, Carl.
Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe McKenzie, Denver Parks and Recreation executive director Happy Haynes, educator Lee Kathryn Gash-Maxey and Casey and Evelyn Simpson were among those enjoying a buffet that included crab cakes, meatballs, spanakopita, bite-sized quiches and cheesecake.
Casey Simpson, a retired Denver Police Department division chief, was receiving congratulations on his 90th birthday, which he had celebrated the previous week by hosting a party for 150 at the Cool River Cafe.
Rosemarie and Don Carlos Allen were there with daughter Jasmine Crane and son Clarence Allen, who is on winter break from Howard University. Carlotta LaNier, one of the Little Rock Nine, and her husband, Ike, were joined by her sister, Loujuana Terry.
Other members taking part in the fundraiser were past president Ida Daniel and her mother, Loleta Seymour; DeVita Bruce and her husband, United Airlines pilot Mical Bruce; Alicia Harvey, president of Epsilon Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority; Janet Adams and hubby Eula, the CEO of Neuromonics; Gwen Brewer and her husband, Moses, a retired Coors executive; Sylvia Jackson; Elenora Crichlow and Myrtle Roane.
The Denver chapter, explained president LaDawn Sullivan, works to “strengthen our community from the inside out” by taking an active role in projects that include Stepping Into The Future, a program where members help students at Hallett Fundamental Academy prepare for future success by offering tutoring, field trips and instruction in writing, the arts, leading a healthy lifestyle and career awareness.
