October 21, 1972
50 Years Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service
The Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established on October 21, 1972 by fourteen accomplished, dedicated, and civic-minded women with Laura Palmer as the founding president. Installation was held at the Toledo Press Club with Fannie Wilson of the sponsoring chapter, Northern Indiana, who conducted the installation service. The fourteen charter members were Ernestine Butler, Richardene Chadwell, Faye Fenwick, Jacquelyn Gray, Mildred Harrison, Kate Jackson, Joyce Jones, Marietta Leverette (organizer), Olivia Murphy, Charlie B. Nunn, Marion Nunn, Laura Palmer (organizer), Marianne Payne, and Odessa Rowan (organizer). The first Emerald Ball fundraiser was held October 6,1973 at the Sheraton Hotel and adopted as the biennial fundraiser. Proceeds from ensuing balls and other fundraising efforts enabled the chapter to support art-focused events and implement educational programming for youth and their families in the urban community. Today, in our fiftieth year of service, we stand on the shoulders of our charter members and those who followed them. We extend heartfelt appreciation for all who have helped to sustain our chapter and to provide impactful service in the Toledo community and beyond.
PRESIDENT MESSAGE
It has been my privilege to serve as President of the Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated during its fiftieth year of service in our community. The chapter held a press conference on October 20, 2022 to announce a 12-month recognition for the 50-year legacy of leadership, service and friendship that is scheduled to culminate on November 4, 2023 with an Emerald Ball Experience fundraiser. On October 21, 2022, active and alumnae members gathered to celebrate this momentous milestone and honor three living charter members: Laura Palmer (organizer), Marianne Payne and Odessa Rowan (organizer). Celebrating has continued throughout the year.
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Erin R. Baker
Chapter President
Join Us
The Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is celebrating fifty years of impactful community service. This black-tie optional fundraising event on November 18, 2023 will be elegant, fun, unique, and also spotlight five decades of extraordinary women and community partnerships. Since 1972, members of the Toledo Chapter have been committed to partnering and engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals to serve our community. Proceeds benefit the underserved population in the Toledo Lucas County communities by supporting charitable and educational programs of the Toledo (OH) Chapter and The Links Foundation, Incorporated.
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Hilton Downtown Ballroom
101 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH 43604
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM
TolHouse
1447 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH 43604
PROGRAM FACETS
The Links, Incorporated has a long tradition of promoting and engaging in educational, civic and inter-cultural activities that enrich the lives of members of the Black community at large. The cornerstone of our service is our five programming facets - Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. Through our facets, we implement programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of underserved communities.
The Links, created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to empower black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. Through this facet, we implement transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, cultural, career development, and mentoring needs of youth.
The goal of The Arts Facet is to increase and expand art activity throughout black communities. The Links, Incorporated creates and supports art-related educational opportunities for minority youth and as well as presents and supports performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in an array of disciplines... in partnership with museums, symphonies and others.
The National Trends and Services facet addresses the social inequities that persist in black communities throughout the United States. The Links, Incorporated is committed to raising awareness on economic, health, social justice, and other barriers that affect our quality of life. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in these areas for the betterment of our communities.
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES
The International Trends and Services facet provides services and delivers transformational programs to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better quality of life. Programs are designed and developed to service the educational, health, and cultural needs of our global community.
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of this facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health.
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