Page 18 - 6-3-16 Friday's Edition

Local Event
Women Of Excellence Breakfast Attracts More Than 300 Women
More than 300 women cele- brated the bond between moth- ers and daughters at the annual College Hill Church of God in Christ, Women of Excellence Breakfast.
For the past 16 years the church has sponsored the event that brings women together from all over the Tampa Bay area to laugh, connect, inspire and heal. Since this year’s
breakfast was the Saturday be- fore Mother’s Day, the theme centered around mothers and daughters.
A woman from College Hill is also crowned the Woman of Excellence, based on a vote by the members of the church. This year the winner was Mother Ruthie Nettles.
Deloris Davis, the First Lady at College Hill COGIC, said
she is always amazed at the number of women waiting each year to attend the event. “When we started we had about 100 women from our local church,” she said. “But now, we have so many people interested in at- tending, we are beginning to think we may have to find a larger venue. I am so thankful that this breakfast touches so many.”
The program consisted of mothers and daughters singing, reading the scripture, and lead- ing praise service. Mothers also talked openly about their strug- gles that sometimes led to their children spending time in the foster care system. They talked about how grateful they were for
the families that were willing to take them in and care for them in a way they couldn’t, while they worked to get their lives back on track.
“Their messages were in- spiring and we were proud of their spirit and willingness to be so open, said Elder Charles Davis, Pastor at College Hill COGIC. “God has truly blessed this event over the past 16 years and I am always so proud of what the committee puts to- gether.”
Marlene Monroe, presi- dent of the church’s Women’s Department Advocacy Board, the group responsible for plan- ning the breakfast, said that every year the event attracts
women who are coming for the first time. “Every year the women tell us how much they enjoyed it and how much they are looking forward to next year,” Monroe said. “It is truly an honor to be a part of this event.”
The Women of Excellence Breakfast is held on the first Sat- urday in May of every year. Tickets typically go on sale in late March. According to Pas- tor Davis, once you hear they are available, he suggests you get yours right away because for the past 10 years, the event has sold out. “You can’t wait to get a ticket, because if you do, they just might be all gone!” (Pho- tos by BRUNSON)
The Davis ladies: Karin Davis-Thompson, Mother Deloris Davis, Amber Davis and Toni Boyd.
Sheryl Fennell and Beverly Brown enjoyed the breakfast.
Ms. CiCi, Ms. Tasha and Ms. Chavonne attended the conference.
Ladies Alex Castillo, Xiomara Gomez, Cassandra Castillo, Sadie Douglas and Maria Avales were among the guests in attendance.
Beverly Brown and B. Brox- ton were among the 300 women in attendance.
Deborah McCullough, Terri Copeland and Yolando Andrews.
Deborah Martin and Mary Upshaw.
Vivian Nealy, Bridgette Murdaugh, Cassandra Nealy, Andrea Nealy.
Among the few women in at- tendance were Deacon Clarence Gyden and Superintendent Charles Davis, Pastor.
Ms. Veronica Williams, Felicia Strachan and Delores Davis.
PAGE 6-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2016