Sisterhood to host 'Red & White Affaire'

Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host its 16th annual dinner-dance, "A Red and White Affaire," Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The annual fundraiser will be an evening of dancing and socializing with live music performed by Dimensions Band featuring Valerie Adams.

A delicious meal will be served to guests at Branches Ballroom in West Long Branch. A donation of $65 for this elegant evening is an opportunity to help educate future leaders.

"Red and White" chairwomen are Tennissia Gaines and Hilda Thomas.

The event is the major source of donations for scholarships and book grants from this sisterhood of college- educated women. It will be an evening to raise money for local high school seniors to assist in meeting post-high school educational objectives.

Theme baskets as well as 50/50 chances are items for winning while contributing to a young person's educational future. A 15-inch LCD flat-screen Magnavox television and a digital camera will also be raffled.

Delta Sigma Theta reaches out and provides communities with information and resources to improve quality of life.

In March, the chapter observes a National Day of Service locally by holding free workshops and giveaways on health issues that affect all ages and diversities.

In the spring, area youth will showcase talent during the "Music, Music, Music/D.R.E.A.M.S." Art Expo 2007. The goal is to encourage youth to express their thoughts, goals and dreams in the form of art and poetry. Scholarships will be distributed to local seniors from Monmouth and Ocean counties at this event.

Young ladies in middle school, ages 11- 14, are mentored through Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy. The Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter works to enrich and enhance the education that participants receive in local communities. Delta Academy focuses on sisterhood, scholarship, service, self-esteem and financial management.

Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority volunteer time at Calvary Baptist Church in Red Bank to tutor students in grades K-12. Saturday tutorial sessions are held, and sorority members tutor students in all subject areas or provide assistance with homework assignments and projects.

The chapter also sponsors a yearly college tour for high school juniors and seniors to historically black colleges and universities including Morgan State, Howard, Delaware State, Coppin State and Bowie State universities. The purpose of the tour is to expose students to various college options and increase their level of appreciation for the African American heritage represented in the colleges.

In Haiti and Ghana, projects provided educational gifts and essentials to improve the quality of life for families. Houses have been funded and built in West Africa.

Diane Lee of Neptune is the president of this dynamic sorority. She encourages anyone and everyone to help enable young minds to continue to meet the challenges of a very diverse world.

Ticket chairperson is Bonnie Keyes, Tinton Falls. Call (732) 542-1888 to purchase tickets.