Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 1-29-21

Feature
Local Chapter Of Jack And Jill Celebrates 35 Years
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
January 24th was a very special day for both the local and national chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (JJOA). JJOA celebrated 83 years of service, while the Greater Tampa Chapter (GTC) celebrated 35 years.
The celebration in Tampa was chaired by Phoebe Penny Crenshaw and Dree Jenkins. “Black Magic Lives Here” was the theme. Local president Dianna Allen- Quin opened the virtual event. A long list of esteemed guests were present for the event, including: National President, Kornisha Brown; 25th National President, Joli Cooper; Regional Director, Latrecia Jordan; Regional Treasurer, Tammie McFar- land; history; and Associate Jewels, whose children have aged out of Jack and Jill mem- bership. The Tampa chapter’s teens shared the chapter his- tory. Attendees played trivia games, listened to great music, and participated in a virtual painting party.
Highlights from the event included a slide show presen- tation of creative, program ac- tivities and unveiling of a new logo in honor of the chapter’s 35th year anniversary.
Allen-Quin states, “The
beautiful and one-of-a-kind virtual celebration of Jack and Jill of America Inc.’s 83 years, along with the Greater Tampa Chapter’s 35 years in the Tampa Bay community will be forever etched in our memo- ries.”
After such a meaningful event, the Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America will continue its activ- ities during Black History Month. GTC will be hosting its annual Tutus and Tennis Shoes: Elevating ALL Children 35-Mile Walk/Run/Ride Chal- lenge and Health Fair during the month of February.
The event will promote healthy living for families and
children in the Tampa Bay community. Over the course of the month participants will be able to log the miles walked, run, and biked, with a goal of 35 miles total. Participants can choose from defined 5K routes, a walk anywhere op- tion, or one of the race chal- lenges. Partakers will engage throughout the month via the Race Joy application and within the race’s Facebook Group.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., the national organization’s philan- thropic arm, which provides donations to national non- profit partners and awards
grants to its chapters.
The Foundation’s mission
is to address issues affecting African American children and families, by investing in programs and services that create a strong foundation for children to thrive long-term. Addressing health disparities is one of the Foundation’s pri- orities, recognizing that there are 3.2 million African Ameri- cans without health Insur- ance.
The remaining proceeds will be directly donated to the following Tampa-based chari- ties that serve children and families: Aaron’s House, March of Dimes of Tampa Bay, ReachUp, and Sickle Cell As- sociation of Hillsborough County.
The conclusion of the event will be a free health fair on February 27, 2021. Medical
professionals and experts will present on various topics, in- cluding many prevalent within African Americans. There will also be cooking and exercise demos. More information will be forthcoming.
Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers and medals will be given for all finishers. Race fees are $35. Participants have the option to pick up their race packets and shirts on Friday, February 26th. The link for registration is https://runsignup.com/Race/ FL/Tampa/TutusTennis- Shoes5K.
Please contact Joycelyn Henson, Foundation Com- mittee Chair of Greater Tampa Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. at 813.434.7446 to become a sponsor, donate, or to ask any questions.
Jack and Jill of America is a national non-profit organiza- tion of mothers who nurture future African American lead- ers ages 2-19. A part of the or- ganization’s mission is to focus on educational programming, community service, legislative advocacy, and philanthropic giving.
For more information about Jack and Jill of America, Inc., visit www.jackandjill.org.
For more information about Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. visit www.jackandjillfoundation.or g.
For more information about Greater Tampa Chapter, visit https://www.greatertam- pajackandjill.org.
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