"In 1992, Theta Lambda Omega Chapter and Iota Rho Lambda of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated collaborated for the first Annual Scholarship Golf Outing Fundraiser. This joint project reflected the heritage of cooperative efforts between the two organizations.
Both Organizations has similar goals and objectives which included empowering the world community through education, health, economics, the family and the arts. The community showed its support as hole-sponsors, contributors, golfers, volunteer and sponsors. The profits were used to assist high school seniors in their collegiate pursuits. President Joanne Battle and Chairman Sandra Lee Spinks along with Alpha Phi Alpha President Harvey Gates, hosted the first Annual Scholarship Golf Outing at Pontiac City Golf Course on August 8, 1992.
The collaboration ended in 1996, but Theta Lambda Omega members Joyce Petway (deceased) and Karen Thomas were determined to continue this project."
"The Annual Scholarship Golf Outing is now one of the signature fundraisers because of its longevity and profitable outcome. Exponential growth was established under the dynamic leadership trio of Hattie Mathis Chairman and Co-chairmen, JoAnne Holbert-Quince and Gloria McDonald. The dramatically increased the profit margin from $3,000 in 2002 to $15,000 in 2008. The average golfers in attendance is 144.
Profits from the Golf Outing are used to give scholarships to deserving college bound high school graduates. Sponsors have an opportunity to meet the scholarship recipients during lunch on the day of the event. In 2011, under the Leadership of Minnie Phillips as Chairman, the event location was changed from Pontiac Municipal Golf Course to Fieldstone Golf Club in Auburn Hills and history was made! Minnie and her committee led the way to the highest profit margin of $20,000 in 2012!"
Debutante Scholarship Cotillion
"Theta Lambda Omega Debutante Scholarship Cotillion began as the dream of one its members, Mary Lynn Yvonne Ferguson Peery. She envisioned having a cotillion that would emphasize the provision of scholarship funds to be used for the continuation of educational and career goals for Pontiac Senior High school young ladies.
She wanted her sorority to have a greater impact on the community. The sorority agreed to adopt and host the Scholarship Cotillion, the first being held May 25, 1973 at the Holiday Inn – Pontiac, MI (now Bloomfield Hills, MI). The theme was Blooming Springtime. The initial Debutante Scholarship Cotillion was planned and organized by the cotillion committee with Ms. Ferguson Peery – the visionary dreamer – serving as general chairman.
The primary focus was and continues to be scholarship and academic achievement. The Debutante Cotillion Program includes the development of leadership, social skills and commitment to community service. Thirteen young ladies participated in the first-class of 1973 Debutante Scholarship Cotillion.
Theta Lambda Omega has continued has continued to carry out the vision and dream of the first Debutante Scholarship Cotillion annually and has expanded beyond the Pontiac community and includes experiences and scholarships for escorts as well. The continued success of this signature program can be attributed not only to the commitment and hard work of the chapter members but also to the generous contributions of many communities, individuals, businesses and organizations near and far.
More than 900 young ladies have been motivated and helped financially to attend college and higher educational institutions beyond high school with contributed scholarships beyond two million dollars."
Pearl Blast
Theta Lambda Omega has always given supreme service to Alpha Kappa Alpha programs. However, the leaders in the chapter recognized the importance of socialization after the hard work had been completed. The first “MystAKAl Masquerade” (MardiGras) was held in 2004. It was very successful. In 2006, the next “MystAKAl Masquerade was co-chaired by Lillie Leverett and Johnette Williams. In 2009, Angela Davis, President, saw the potential for the event to be an annual fundraiser and appointed Olivia Anderson to chair the next event. Olivia envisioned the next party as an “all-white party” (white attire). This theme for the event coined “White-Pearl Blast”. Decorations, tables, chairs, etc. displayed an exquisite elegance that is now annually expected by members and loyal supporters. Vendors were added in order to provide additional revenue and shopping for the guests.
It has been held during the Summer and the Fall and has continued to dazzle the community and increase revenue for the chapter at the same time. Subsequent chairmen include Janice Green, Ceola Miles and Billie Fair. In 2012 with Cheryl Blake and Frances Menzie as chairpersons, the Pearl Blast became a Black and White Party.
Fashion Show
Our Fashion Show has been a long-standing fundraiser that began in 1982 under the presidency of Carol B. Thomas and Chairman Hattie Mathis. The idea was brought to the chapter by Laurestine Hatchett. The first one was held at Pontiac Central High School in their Field House Auditorium and the afterglow was held at Pontiac YWCA which was across the street from the high school.
In 1985, it became a fashion show and luncheon, the Vogue Esquire Model dazzled the crowd with the latest fashions from world famous designers and over the years a record number of guests have attended this fun and exciting event. Some thirty years later, Pontiac and surrounding areas continue to support this fundraiser that provides an opportunity for the community to fellowship together and for Theta Lambda Omega to further service to mankind with programs such as Toys for Tots at Christmas time, Thanksgiving Baskets for the needy, scholarships for high school graduates and other international and local programs to AKA.
AKA Teens
In support of our national program to assist youth in identifying and developing leadership potential and skills, Theta Lambda Omega began TLO Teens. Our national program included the developing of and increasing self-awareness, self-esteem, community service and career knowledge among the youth.
The first teen group was established in 1981 with Carrol Thomas as President. It was first known as the TLO Teens. The name was later changed to AKA Teens. The group consisted of eight to twelve girls, ninth through twelfth grades. The Teens first elected president was JoAnn Few and the first vice president was Felicia Adams. Carrie Adams was the first Chairman; Mai D. Hendricks and Patricia Sylvain were Co-Chairmen.
AKA Teens have had a wide variety of activities through the years that includes community work and social activities.
Some of those include:
Charles H. Wright African American Museum
Focus Hope: Supplementary Food Program
Focus Hope: Career Training Program
Orchard Lake Nursing Home
Gleaners Food Bank
Homeless Feedings
Lighthouse of Oakland County Hunger Walk
Toiletry donations to local churches and organizations
Angel Tree giving to children with incarcerated parents
Habitat for Humanity volunteering
AKA Youth and Financial Literacy seminars on money management
AKA Teen Chairmen through the years
Anna Smith, Carrie Adams, Shirley Spruill, Pauline George, Stephanie Edwards, Darlene Petway, Shawanna Fletcher, Angela L. Davis, ToiAnn Burns, Pamela Fladger, Ginelle Bates, Carol Ellis, Esterlene Dukes and Jhonika Hawkins.
The TLO AKA Teen program continues to be a thriving program that prides itself on excellence in developing, nurturing and educating the youth of Pontiac and throughout Oakland County.