Heart & Soul of May Street Appreciation Reception Held

Seated: Virginia Parham, BOD member; Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr., Terri Lewis, BOD member; Standing: James Riles, BOD member; Molly Lieberman, BOD member; & Joseph N. Bell, BOD President
Seated: Virginia Parham, BOD member; Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr., Terri Lewis, BOD member; Standing: James Riles, BOD member; Molly Lieberman, BOD member; & Joseph N. Bell, BOD President

An Appreciation Reception was held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 6:00 P.M. to express appreciation to the supporters of the 2017 Heart & Soul of May Street Gala which was postponed twice due to weather conditions. The Reception was held at the West Broad Street YMCA in the Dance Room located at 1110 May Street.

The purpose of this event was to say “Thank You” to the Sponsors, Donors, and Individuals who purchased tickets for the 2017 Gala and to make presentations to the 2017 honorees. The 2017 Heritage Hero Award was presented to Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. The criteria for this award is that the recipient be a Savannah/Chatham County resident who has shown visionary leadership in the community and helped transform lives throughout the city of Savannah, the state of Georgia and possibly the nation. Rev. Brown has done just that through his total involvement in spiritual, social, political, edu- cational, and civic activities and events as demonstrated by the many Certificates, Plaques, Honors, Awards, and other recognitions displayed in his home’s “Hall of Fame”.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter was honored with the 2017 May Street Volunteer Award. The chapter which was chartered in 1943 with the primary purpose of rendering service to the community has continued that purpose with financial support from the chapter and from the chapter’s Foundation known as M.A.R.T.H.A (Moving All Races To Higher Achievement). The chapter members, both individually and as a chapter has given their time and service to the West Broad Street YMCA by supporting Miracle on May Street, YMCA Clothes Drive, donations to the Early Learning Center, and most recently providing mulch and revitalization for a playground thru the chapter’s Playground Mobilization program. Three West Broad Street YMCA Staff members were recognized for years of service. Vickie Golden was recognized for 20 years of dedicated service with a plaque and a 20-Year Pin. Judy Bivens and Leola Franklin, Early Learning Center employees, each received a Pin for five years of service.

The Dance Room of the YMCA building was transformed for the Reception with the beautiful decorations done by the Top Ladies Of Distinction, Inc., – Savannah Chapter.

The Heart and Soul of May Street Committee and the West Broad Street YMCA Board of Directors sincerely thank all who attended the Reception and who supported the 2017 Heart and Soul of May Street Gala. We look forward to your continued support of the West Broad Street YMCA and the 2018 Heart and Soul Gala scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2018.

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