linda-johnson.jpgDonovan and Jessica Campbell, one of South Florida’s most glamorous couples, hosted a baby shower soiree this past weekend for 200 family and friends. The clubhouse at their North Bay Village condo was the venue for the deluxe shower, whose theme was The Greatest Show Before Birth.

For months the ecstatic duo kept everyone in suspense about the gender of Baby Campbell, not revealing the news until the shower. Exquisite and unique decorations surrounded the guests who enjoyed a lavish Caribbean buffet, great conversation and dancing.  But what else would one expect from Jessica, event planner extraordinaire?  Grandmothers-to-be Margie Campbell and Margaret McCrary were all smiles, as was Jourdan Campbell, the excited new big sister. Some well-wishers seen on the scene were Johanna Aganga-Williams,Tori Anderson, René Beal, Victoria Beatty, Jessica Bryant, Judy Carter, Fiorelly Castillo,Valda Clark Christian, Ashia Everett,  Ivy and Linda Kearson, mother-daughter duo Garrian and Morgan McGhee, Neki Mohan, Beverly Nixon, Tracy Seaton, Cassandra Theramene and Vandra Woolfolk. And, oh, it’s a boy! Kingston Donovan Campbell is expected to make his debut next month. Sounds like a good lead-in for one of Papa Donovan’s  Channel 7 news stories. Best wishes to the Campbell-McCrary clans.

_____________________________________________________

Greg Gay, Miami native and a quintessential Alpha Phi Alpha man, celebrated his 50th birthday last weekend in grand style. Relatives and friends joined Greg and his wife LaTaryn for three days of partying, dining and more partying at a few of  Miami’s most interesting  spots. The highlight was an intimate VIP dinner on the top floor of the Glasshaus Studios (the former Admiral Vee Hotel) on Biscayne Boulevard.  Guests, who were attired in chic white, dined by candlelight and were impressed – but not surprised – by the classic and handsome décor created by Verna Edington (mother-in-law), Eddye Gay (mother), Shirley Archie, Constance Gilbert and Wanda Kimbrough. Greg’s children,  Jeremy and Braynon, and his brother Marc were gracious co-hosts. Following dinner, the party continued with the Alpha’s other friends and family. Seen on the scene were Nicole Archie and the Lewis clan, Harold and Gia Braynon and family, Bill and Cynthia Clarke, Carliss and Odessa Cook, Eric Knowles, Dana and Carlenia Moss, Shaquita Rahming, Veronica Rahming, Edward and Constance Robinson, William and Loretta Shepherd (Atlanta, Ga.), Naomi and Baljean Smith, Jessie Tanner, James and Thomasena Thompson (Savannah, Ga.).

_____________________________________________________

The members of Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presented eight lovely high school seniors to society at an elegant luncheon on Saturday, June 8, at the DoubleTree Miami Airport Hotel.  Ivy Rosettes Josephine Gelin, Sierra Johnson, Rebekah Jordan, Santanna Neal, Maiya Plather, Brianna Saffold, Catiana Shiver and Jakaria Williams made their debut at the sorority’s 21st annual Elegance in Pink and White event. Eight Roses with Infinite Possibilities was the theme for the presentation, which culminated four years of mentoring and community service experiences in which the young ladies have participated. The proud fathers waltzed with their little girls, who were stunningly adorned in white gowns and gloves, while their mothers beamed joyfully. Throughout the afternoon, the senior Ivy Rosettes entertained more than 200 AKAs, family and friends with dance and spoken-word performances. Additionally, 13 freshmen, sophomore and junior members were introduced, who are eagerly awaiting their presentation in the near future. The graduating seniors all are pursuing baccalaureate degrees and are looking forward to careers in food science, veterinary science, fine arts, fashion design, law and physical therapy. Many congratulations to the Ivy Rosettes and their parents, and kudos to Chairperson Erica Paschal and her committee. Sandra L. Jackson is chapter president.

_____________________________________________________

The Signature Grand in Davie was the venue for the induction ceremony and joyous celebration for the newest members of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links, Inc., Saturday, June 8. Damita Salters, chapter president, proudly presented eight of Broward County’s most accomplished civic and professional leaders as Links to family and friends: Victoria Beatty, Esq., commercial litigation attorney with the Fort Lauderdale office of Broad and Cassel; Yvette DuBose, sales and marketing executive with Ultra Wood Products; Pauline Grant, CEO of Broward Health North; Veronica Harrell-James, Esq., deputy chief of the General Civil Litigation Division of the United States Attorney’s Office; Shauna Hicks-Lee, personal vacation planner with Carnival Cruise Lines; Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Broward County School Board member and president/CEO of Mount  Olive Development Corporation; Tara Pasteur, assistant principal with Broward County Schools; and Andrea Pelt-Thornton, IT Business Solutions Group manager at Florida Power & Light Company. As candidates, the ladies committed many hours to community service by planning and sponsoring a Homeless Health Fair. Following a delightful luncheon meal, the inductees were lavished with white roses and gifts from their new Links sisters. Links from the tri-county area and beyond who also were present included Shirley Archie, Winifred Beacham, René Beal, Jessica McCrary Campbell, Cynthia M. Clarke, Priscilla Adams Dobbs, Earlene Striggles Horne, Rosa Harvey-Pratt,  Denise Johnson, Gloria Pasteur, Agenoria Powell, Rosa Simmons and Carrie Warren. Other well-wishers included  Robert and Priscilla Beatty, Bobby DuBose (Fort Lauderdale commissioner), Juanita Carter Johnson, Pamela Johnson, Wayne  Messam (Miramar commissioner), Dr. Gay Outler, the Hon. Michael Robinson, Toya Smith, and the Rev. Dr. R. Joaquin and Clarissa Willis.

 

•Picture Linda Johnson.