THE OAKLAND COUNTY (MI) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED
ST. JOHN’S
42ND ANNUAL GIFT-GIVING LUNCHEON
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025 | 11A.M.
BANQUET & CONFERENCE CENTER
OUR HISTORY
As we celebrate our 44th year as a Chapter, we are grateful that you are an essential part of our unwavering commitment to uplifting and supporting those in our community who need it most.
Through your support, our programs have delivered meaningful education, hands-on arts experiences, family resources, voter education, and vital health initiatives for children, senior citizens and veterans. One highlight of this year’s programming was our STEAM initiative. Students created light-up name tags that combined basic circuitry and engineering, with artistic expression. This exercised their creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, using color and design to demonstrate personal style.
We are proud to receive our third consecutive Black K.A.R.E. (Kidney Awareness Resources & Education) sub-grant to provide chronic kidney disease education in our service area by addressing risk factors, prevention strategies, and pathways to better health outcomes. Some 40 community partners participated in our Black K.A.R.E. program, held at the Bowens Senior Citizens Center in Pontiac, Michigan.
Our commitment to civic engagement remains strong as we continue educating the community on voting rights, voter registration, and access to the polls. For the seventh consecutive year we delivered our signature snack packs to poll workers. We have hosted resource tables and donated socks and gloves at the Michigan Veterans Foundation Conference to support veterans in need.
We are also proud to have awarded three scholarships totaling $15,000 to outstanding college students. In addition, our long-standing partnership with Oakland University expanded access to academic support through tutoring, scholarship preparation, and more.
On the global stage, we were honored to earn the 1st Place Chapter Partner Collaboration Award for International Trends, at the Central Area Conference. This recognition reflects our impactful work in Jamaica, where we supported St. Mary’s Preparatory School and Kindergarten with a modern kitchen, a new computer lab with campus-wide internet connectivity, and a fully equipped music building to enrich student learning, supporting 200 students. The recent hurricane that damaged the island has presented challenges, but we are committed to continued support for the progress of this community.
The Oakland County (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, looks forward to another year of friendship and service, driven by impactful programs and a shared commitment to making a lasting difference.
GIFT-GIVING TRADITION
The Christmas luncheon began as a “gift gathering” event with guests bringing coats and toys that were then distributed to the children of Pontiac who attended our annual Festival of Giving party. Because of your generosity, over the years we have expanded the services we provide to include these Pontiac school children and their families, as well as senior citizens, women in need, our heroic veterans, and so many others in the community who have needed our assistance and support.
For four decades you have joined with us in our mission to uplift and serve our community. Your partnership with the Oakland County (MI) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, has empowered us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children, families, and individuals – now during the Christmas season, and all throughout the year. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your donations toward our work.
If you choose to make a donation at this time, please use this QR Code:
PROGRAM
Welcome and Introductions
The Occasion
Festival of Giving
Luncheon Spotlight
Donetta Houser-Sly
President Robin Wright-King
Sigele Rutledge
Luncheon Co-Chairs
Teresa Rodges
Angela Davis
Festival Co-Chairs
Invocation Rita Jenkins
Silent Auction and Raffle
LUNCH IS SERVED
Honoring Our Past, Recognizing Our Present and Lighting the Path Towards Our Future
Jackie Davis-Betserai and Linda Ware-Smith
Closing Remarks Donetta Houser-Sly and Sigele Rutledge
O & I Transport
Oakland University
Thanks to our luncheon patrons and community supporters:
Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, Dr. Crystal Martin
Jackie Davis State Farm Insurance
Dr. Carlos M. Jones Family Dental Center, PC
Special thanks to our luncheon volunteers:
Oakland County (MI) Chapter Heir-O-Links
Nickie Kirkland
Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
And a very special thank you to violinist, Heir-O-Link Daisha Martin
The Oakland County Links are grateful for all contributions that support our programming.
— MEMBERS —
President: Robin Wright-King
Event Chair: Donetta Houser-Sly | Event Co-Chair: Sigele Rutledge
Adrienne B. Foster+
Adrienne Wells Saunders
Alicia Boler-Davis
Alicia Monique Nails+
Amanda Bryant-Friedrich
Angela Davis
Ayanna Hatchett
Chanel F. DeGuzman+
Crystal Martin+
Debra Harris
Deirdre Waterman*
Diandria Kimble+
Donetta Houser-Sly
Donna Dulaney
Felicia Owens-Walker+
Gwendolyn Malone Rhodes+
Jackie Davis-Betserai+
Janice W. Green
JoAnne Holbert-Quince
Kathryn Towe Littleton*
Kelly Hall
Kimberley Will
Kimberly Diamond-Berry+
Lauren H. Barton
Linda Jones+
Linda Thomas+
Linda Ware Smith+
Lisa Smoots
Lisolee Moten+
Lolita Isaac
Lorine Mays-Parker
Nerissa Edwina Morris
Pandora Ellison
Regina Marie Phillips
Rhonda Sanders
Robin Wright-King
Sigele Rutledge
Tamberlin (Tammy) Golden
Teresa A. Rodges+
Terri Moon+
Trudy Gallant-Stokes+
Valencia LaShun Parker
Whitney Peoples+
Winifred Green
— ALUMNAE MEMBERS —
Anne-Maré Ice*
Barbara Whittaker
Carol Goss
Carole Gibson + Celeste (Shelli) McDermott
Duryea H. Callaway
Elaine Robertson
Gloria J. McDonald
Jane Hammond
Jane Savoy*
Julia Pate
Kristi Goldner
Laurestine Hatchett
Linda Smith
Patricia W. Parker
Rita Jenkins
Robbie Johnson*
Roslyn Miller*
Shirley Mann Gray
*Charter Members + Committee Members