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Greetings to our Debutantes, Escorts, Parents, & Guests,

On behalf of the 78 members of the Oakland Bay Area Chapter of The Links Incorporated, welcome to the Fifty-Ninth
Links Cotillion, “An Evening of Majestic Grandeur.”

Tonight, we proudly celebrate the unique accomplishments of thirty-three extraordinary young men and women of the
Bay Area Community as they move closer to their personal and professional fulfillment. Our honorees hail from diverse
backgrounds and personal experiences. Tonight, we join them as their journey takes them on new adventures, and a
future where their vision leads them to success.

Since our first Cotillion in 1956, this holiday event has become our signature means of honoring the accomplishments of
outstanding young ladies and men in the Bay Area. During the past several months, our Debutantes and their Escorts have
participated in well planned activities, workshops and presentations designed specifically to interact with distinguished
professionals, notable in their respective fields of endeavor. We thank these accomplished men and women who have
volunteered their time and experience to mentor, teach, inspire and prepare our honorees for successful futures in our
current technologically advanced society.

As our guests, we are appreciative for your generous support of our Cotillion fundraiser. Our organization is committed
to enrich, sustain and ensure the culture and economic survival of African Americans and persons of the African diaspora.
Proceeds from this extraordinary event make it possible for our Link members to continue providing educational services
that enrich and improve the lives of children and youth in the Bay Area. The revenue from this Cotillion will support
our Program of “Mind, Body & Soul ~ Developing the Whole Child” at Lafayette Elementary School in West Oakland,
California. The assets from the Cotillion also support our philanthropic endeavors by providing scholarships to graduating
seniors through our Celebration of Excellence Program and by giving grants to worthy community organizations.

To our extraordinary honorees, the members of the Oakland Bay Area Links proudly salute you as you greet your special
guests this evening. We hope we have inspired you to embrace and incorporate new academic, social and leadership
skills into your repertoire, a willingness to serve your community and an openness to develop special mentors and
friends that will help you achieve your fondest dreams with unparalleled vigor, passion and success. We have been
blessed by your presence and your light. You represent the best in our hopes and aspirations for you. We encourage you
to share your unique qualities with family, friends, loved ones and those who are here to share in this special event, now
and for the years to come.

Congratulations and Best Wishes,

Beryl Crumpton-Potter, President
Oakland Bay Area Chapter,
The Links, Incorporated

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