By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
The members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Theta Sigma Chapter, sponsored their third annual Labor Day Gala on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at The Holy Toledo Room in downtown Toledo.
The all-white day party had three purposes: publicly acknowledge union members and community leader honorees, celebrate two scholarship recipients and raise funds for the next round of scholarships.
Honoree and union member, Doris Jones, has worked at Chrysler for over 24 years and is a dedicated member of Local 12 UAW. She also serves as the community service chair. Second honoree and union member, Tony Totty, is the president of UAW Local 14 and vice president of the UAW Toledo Area CAP Council. He is a strong advocate for mentoring and has led a program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Boys.
The sorority decided to recognize union members and community leaders for their impactful work within the union and in the community who have transcended our city through their service, dedication and commitment, said Kimberly Ward, fundraising chair 2024.
Community member and final honoree, Lutricia Prater, has worked in the mental health industry for over 18 years and currently serves as a corporate trainer. She has been a dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated since 1992, where she drives many community-driven efforts, and is also a member of Girl Friend, Inc. and The Links, Inc.
“I appreciate the award,” began Doris Jones. “I do what I can for the community.”
“The values of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority mirror our union values,” said Tony Totty. “We both fight not just for ourselves but for our community. When I look around this room. I see people that are doing something.”
“Thank you to my family, my friends and sorors,” said Lutricia Prater. “Strength has carried me through many challenges, we can be a light to others through our service.”
The celebration also celebrated two scholarship winners: Cameron Knabbs and Kevontai Payne. Knabbs graduated from Woodward High School and currently attends Penn State University where he is majoring in cybersecurity. Payne is a graduating senior from the only public HBCU in Ohio, Central State University. He is the first family member to graduate from a four-year college. Locally renown TV news anchor and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, member TaTiana Cash, served as hostess.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was organized on November 12, 1922 at Butler University located in Indianapolis, Indiana by seven community-driven educators. The sorority celebrated 100 years in 2022 and currently supports over 500 chapters of community-driven women who uphold the mission of greater service, greater progress. Locally, Iota Theta Sigma Chapter was chartered in 2001 to serve northwest Ohio. For additional information about the local chapter, contact the Basileus LaDonna Knabbs at iotatsbasileus@gmail.com
