It’s coming…get ready for AKArama 2017 “Lift off to Planet AKArama.”

Members, you are invited to enjoy an elegant evening at this spectacular

gala on Saturday, October 28, 2017. The out of this world experience will

be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, East Tower, Grand Ballroom, 151

East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. This year’s theme is inspired by the

movie “Hidden Figures” and promises to be an evening of great music,

wonderful entertainment and vibrant art from local talents.

Three brilliant Alpha Kappa Alpha women: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy

Vaughn and Mary Jackson working at NASA in 1961 impacted history and

were the brains behind the successful launch of man and machine into

outer space!

Donations raised from our annual AKArama can provide educational

opportunities for African American students to walk in the path of these

great women and further impact community programs and organizations

that make a difference in the lives of others.

Let’s make this year’s event another success! Invite your friends, family

and coworkers out for an evening of dining and entertainment! Be

inspired and encouraged by the Sorors of our great sisterhood that

through commitment and dedication broke barriers sending man and

machine into space. I look forward to seeing you all at this year’s event

“Lift off to Planet AKArama.”

Ouida F. Dyer-Bradford Ouida F. Dyer-Bradford, Chairman

AKArama 2017

Bertina M. Power-Stewart Bertina M. Power-Stewart, President

AKArama Foundation, Inc.

AKArama at a glance…

Reservations Kickoff Event August 19, 2017

Reservations 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

FREE Kickoff Event

4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Cash Raffles Pick-up/Payments

AKArama Foundation, Inc. Community Service Center

Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 19, 2017 3:30 – 5:30 at kickoff party

See newsletter for additional times.

Souvenir Journal Deadline September 28, 2017

Note: All Ads, Donors and Sponsor recognition, and

Sustainers of the Dream must be received with full

payment by September 28, 2017.

AKArama 2017 Participation All Checks must be made payable to:

AKArama Foundation, Inc.

Please write separate checks for donors, tickets,

raffles and Sustainers Of The Dream

AKArama Casino

The Casino will be open during the cocktail

hour and immediately following dinner for

your entertainment.

AKArama Art Auction The Silent Art Auction will be open for bidding during

cocktail hour and immediately after dinner. Art from

local talents including our own Soror Barbara

Guilbeaux will be featured.

AKArama 2017

Lift off to Planet AKArama

AKArama 2017

Lift Off to Planet AKArama

Reservations Guidelines

The cost per seat is $115.00. Traditionally in order to reserve a table, one-half of the cost had to be paid at the time of table selection: $575.00 for a table of 10 or $690.00 for a table of 12. Sorors also had the option of paying for the entire table in full ($1,150.00 for 10 or $1,380 for 12) at the time of table selection. This year a new procedure is being implemented to better accommodate our sorors and to reduce the number of refunds issued in previous years. This year to reserve a table, Sorors need pay only for their own seat and complete a promissory note* guaranteeing that they will sell the full table of ten. Sorors are encouraged to turn checks in for tickets from their quests as they receive them. All monies are due for reserved tables by the October chapter meeting.

Promissory Note: The promissory note is a legal binding document and failure to pay for the table will result in that soror owing the chapter for the amount remaining unpaid that must be paid prior to being able to pay her 2018 chapter dues. If the chairman is able to sell the remaining seats at the table, the soror will be released of the responsibility of payment for the table.

There is no limit to the number of tables reserved. However, only one table can be selected on the dance floor, second and third rows.

Sorors or a designated person may select a table for an absent soror (based upon the absent soror’s placement on the AKArama 2016 Participation List) provided that the absent soror has sent a check, money order, cash, or credit card information. Please alert the chairman if you are representing another soror.

The final table selection date and the balance due on all tables will be Sunday, October 22, 2017. This will also be the final date to hold tables for sorors who have paid for less than a full table. After this date the chairman will fill any incomplete tables.

Checks, money orders, cash, credit cards, and Chase Quick Pay will be accepted for payment. ALL TRANSACTIONS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO AKARAMA FOUNDATION, INC. Receipts will be given when monies are received.

All checks given to sorors by non-Theta Omega sorors or friends must have the Theta Omega soror’s name on the check in the memo section, the upper left-hand corner, or in the margin of the left side of the check to receive AKArama credit. Please inform the chairman of any special needs, i.e. dietary or special seating when reserving your table.

Sorors may send or bring payments to the AKArama Foundation,Inc./Theta Omega Community Service Center or the home of the Chairman: Soror Carolyn F. Hunter, 7736 S. Hoyne Avenue, Chicago, IL 60620 any time after August 19, 2017.

ORDER FOR SELECTING TABLES: Per the Theta Omega Chapter Guidelines Procedures and Protocol Manual.

1. Chapter Basileus 2. Chairman of AKArama 2017 3. Anti-Basileus 4. Current Directorate members (In Theta Omega Chapter) 5. Reservations Chairman 2017 6. Chapter members based upon their placement on the AKArama 2016 Participation List

This year’s Reservation Chairman is Soror Carolyn Hunter, carolfh@att.net; 773-715-2080

Donors Campaign:

Members, we need your support! Your generous donations help provide services and scholarships throughout

the Chicagoland community. In recognition of your tax-deductible donation, your name and category will be

included in the Souvenir Journal if received by September 28, 2017. Donations will also be recognized at the

casino this year in support of our efforts. Categories of giving are as follows:

Galactic Stars $5,000.00 and over Moon Walkers $1,000.00 - $4,999.00 Space Explorers $500.00 - $999.00 Astronauts $100.00 - $499.00 Rocket Scientist $99.00 or less This year’s Donor Campaign Chairman is Soror Helen Hammond Redding, mzhhr23@gmail.com, 773-363-6220

Silent Art Auction: The Silent Auction will consist of the AKA – Art gallery. There will be original art pieces from Chicago area artists including Soror Barbara Guilbeaux. The prices of the pieces will begin at $100.00 with proceeds going to the AKArama Foundation, Inc. scholarships and programming. This year’s Art Auction Chairman is Soror Dawne C. Dupart. Collier.Dawne@yahoo.com, 773-230-2880

AKArama Cash Raffle: Raffle tickets are available, and may be picked up at the AKArama kickoff. Raffle tickets will also be available during the months of September and October at Chapter meetings, TOCS meetings and at the AKArama Community Service Center during normal business hours 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The cost for the tickets is 1 for $5.00 or 6 for $25.00. The proceeds help to support AKArama programs and help sorors meet their participation goal. Raffle prizes are as follows: 1st prize $1000.00 2nd prize $500.00 3rd prize $250.00 4th prize $150.00 5th prize $100.00 This year’s Raffle Chairman is Soror Denise E. Gresham-Knox, dgreshamknox@hotmail.com; 312-339-3734.

Souvenir Journal: Solicit your ads, messages of well wishes and remembrances! Encourage your family, friends and those with whom you do business to purchase and ad in support of the AKArama programs. The ad form and solicitation letter are included with this newsletter and will be available at the AKArama kickoff. The Souvenir Journal Chairman is Soror Deborah Underwood, duwood9010@sbcglobal.net; 773-401-7292.

PRESIDENT Bertina M. Power-Stewart VICE PRESIDENT Elaine R. Smith-Singh SECRETARY Tanya Simmons Harris TREASURER Paula Harris ASSISTANT TREASURER Carolyn F. Hunter FINANCIAL SECRETARY Pearlene Carter CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Kimberly B. Jackson PARLIAMENTARIAN Ethel J. Collier AKARAMA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS BUILDING AND PROPERTY Dorretta Evans Parker CORPORATE & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Ruth Slaughter GRANTS Chantel Hays Carson HUMAN RESOURCES Deborah Underwood MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Tonya Mattox RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING Raymonda Johnson PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AKArama 2016 Adrienne Davis AKArama 2017 Ouida Bradford Dyer EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT/ASCEND Erica Ford ASCENDING YOUNG PEARLS Angela Tucker EAF Barbara Edwards FAMILY STRENGTHENING Alicia Kelly ENVIRONMENTAL OWNERSHIP Kara Holloway HEALTH PROMOTIONS Angela Odoms-Young GLOBAL IMPACT Alexiaa Jordan SCHOLARSHIP La Shawn R. Stanton PRESS SECRETARY Dawn Edwards LEGAL COUNSEL Casandra Melton

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AKArama Foundation, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Theta Omega Chapter

Chicago, Illinois

6220-28 S. INGLESIDE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 • PHONE 773-363-6220

Dear AKArama Foundation Member,

You may be aware that for the past few years, members of Theta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the AKArama Foundation, Inc., have participated in a special fund-

raising effort titled “Sustainers of the Dream.” In 2015, the decision was made to earmark funds

raised under this campaign to be paid directly to the principal balance of our mortgage on the

AKArama Foundation Community Service Center. It is heartwarming to report that the funds

raised thus far have already had a demonstrable effect on the mortgage principal balance.

Our goal in 2017 is to continue the Sustainers of the Dream Campaign as a mechanism for pay-

ing off the mortgage, while reaching an even greater number of contributors. To this end, the

AKArama Foundation Resource Development and Fundraising Committee has introduced the

option of Sorors and others making their $1,000.00 minimum contributions through single full

contributions or multiple partial contributions. Also, contributions will be accepted by check or

electronically.

Please join the effort to pay off the mortgage on our beautiful Center—which has done so much

to increase the opportunities for sisterly activity and productivity, and for increased service to the

communities that we serve—by making a contribution of $1,000.00 or more to the Sustainers of

the Dream Campaign for 2017. I invite your commitment response by email to raymondajohn-

son@mac.com; by mail to me at the AKArama Foundation Community Service Center, 6220

South Ingleside Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637; or by telephone at 773-324-2865.

Checks should be made payable to AKArama Foundation, Inc., with the memo line notation

“Sustainers of the Dream” and mailed to my attention at the AKArama Foundation Community

Service Center; and electronic payments should be sent to AKAramaTreasurer@gmail.com.

Thank you for creatively considering this request. Theta Omega Chapter and AKArama Founda-

tion, Inc., and, most especially, the communities that we serve are richer for your attention and

concern in this matter.

Sincerely yours,

Raymonda T. Johnson Bertina M. Power-Stewart

Raymonda T. Johnson, Director Bertina M. Power-Stewart

Resource Development and Fundraising President

AKArama Foundation, Inc. AKArama Foundation, Inc.

PRESIDENT Bertina M. Power-Stewart VICE PRESIDENT Elaine R. Smith-Singh SECRETARY Tanya Simmons Harris TREASURER Paula Harris ASSISTANT TREASURER Carolyn F. Hunter FINANCIAL SECRETARY Pearlene Carter CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Kimberly B. Jackson PARLIAMENTARIAN Ethel J. Collier AKARAMA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS BUILDING AND PROPERTY Dorretta Evans Parker CORPORATE & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Ruth Slaughter GRANTS Chantel Hays Carson HUMAN RESOURCES Deborah Underwood MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Tonya Mattox RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING Raymonda Johnson PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AKArama 2016 Adrienne Davis AKArama 2017 Ouida Bradford Dyer EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT/ASCEND Erica Ford ASCENDING YOUNG PEARLS Angela Tucker EAF Barbara Edwards FAMILY STRENGTHENING Alicia Kelly ENVIRONMENTAL OWNERSHIP Kara Holloway HEALTH PROMOTIONS Angela Odoms-Young GLOBAL IMPACT Alexiaa Jordan SCHOLARSHIP La Shawn R. Stanton PRESS SECRETARY Dawn Edwards LEGAL COUNSEL Casandra Melton

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AKArama Foundation, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Theta Omega Chapter

Chicago, Illinois

6220-28 S. INGLESIDE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 • PHONE 773-363-6220

July 31, 2017

Dear Soror,

Since its inception in 1981 the AKArama Foundation, Inc. has made a difference in the Chi-cagoland community by providing service programs to address the needs of the community and awarding scholarships to deserving students. Through our annual AKArama Gala we have generated funds for community programs and scholarships totaling over two million dollars in the past 36 years! Additionally, we have opened the doors of the AKArama Foun-dation, Inc. Community Service Center to numerous organizations within the Woodlawn community that provide much-needed services to our community! In 2017, your generous donations enabled the AKArama Foundation, Inc. to award scholar-ships totaling $55,000 to twenty seven college-bound students, serve more than 350 clients through the Woodlawn Free Legal Clinic held at the Center, and successfully implement various initiatives under the Launching New Dimensions of Service International Program. Sorors, we need your support again!! On October 28, 2017, our annual AKArama Gala, Lift Off to Planet AKArama 2017 will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois. Your at-tendance at this Gala as well as your generous donations in the categories below will help us to continue to provide a high level of service to our community! Please BE A DONOR in 2017!

Galactic Stars $ 5,000.00 and over MoonWalkers $ 1,000.00 - $4,999.00 Space Explorers $ 500.00 - $ 999.00 Astronauts $ 100.00 - $ 499.00 Rocket Scientists $ 99.00 or less

In recognition of your tax-deductible donation, your name and category will be included in the Souvenir Journal if received by Friday, September 29, 2017. Please complete the en-closed donation envelope and mail it with your check or money order made payable to AKArama Foundation, Inc.:

AKARAMA FOUNDATION, INC. COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER Helen Hammond Redding, Donors Campaign Chairman

6220 S. Ingleside Avenue Chicago, Illinois, 60637

If you have questions, please contact Helen Hammond Redding, 773-363-6220 or akaramadonors@thetaomega.com. Thank you for your continued support and generous donation.

Sincerely,

Helen Hammond Redding Ouida Dyer Bradford Bertina M. Power-Stewart Helen Hammond Redding Ouida Dyer Bradford Bertina M. Power-Stewart

Chairman General Chairman President

AKArama Donors 2017 AKArama 2017 AKArama Foundation,Inc.

PRESIDENT Bertina M. Power-Stewart VICE PRESIDENT Elaine R. Smith-Singh SECRETARY Tanya Simmons Harris TREASURER Paula Harris ASSISTANT TREASURER Carolyn F. Hunter FINANCIAL SECRETARY Pearlene Carter CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Kimberly B. Jackson PARLIAMENTARIAN Ethel J. Collier AKARAMA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS BUILDING AND PROPERTY Dorretta Evans Parker CORPORATE & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Ruth Slaughter GRANTS Chantel Hays Carson HUMAN RESOURCES Deborah Underwood MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Tonya Mattox RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING Raymonda Johnson PROGRAM CHAIRMEN AKArama 2016 Adrienne Davis AKArama 2017 Ouida Bradford Dyer EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT/ASCEND Erica Ford ASCENDING YOUNG PEARLS Angela Tucker EAF Barbara Edwards FAMILY STRENGTHENING Alicia Kelly ENVIRONMENTAL OWNERSHIP Kara Holloway HEALTH PROMOTIONS Angela Odoms-Young GLOBAL IMPACT Alexiaa Jordan SCHOLARSHIP La Shawn R. Stanton PRESS SECRETARY Dawn Edwards LEGAL COUNSEL Casandra Melton

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AKArama Foundation, Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Theta Omega Chapter

Chicago, Illinois

6220-28 S. INGLESIDE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60637 • PHONE 773-363-6220

August 1, 2017

Dear Supporter:

AKArama 2017 will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Our theme for is Lift Off to Planet AKArama 2017.

The AKArama Foundation, Inc. was established in 1981 by the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha

Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Omega Chapter. In the 36 years since its inception, the AKArama

foundation has generated funds for community programs and scholarships totaling over two mil-

lion dollars.

Urban communities all over the country are under incredible pressure. The economic recession,

housing crisis, and limited educational opportunities have put a great deal of stress on families.

Furthermore, each year thousands of urban students qualify to attend a 4-year university, but lack

the financial means to make that dream a reality. The AKArama Foundation, Inc., seeks to make

a difference in the Chicagoland community by providing service programs to address the needs

of the community and by awarding scholarships to deserving students.

ADVERTISE IN OUR SOUVENIR JOURNAL! By providing your purchased advertisement

in our Souvenir Journal, you will assist us in continuing our community outreach programs in the

Chicagoland community. Advertisements in our 2016 Souvenir Journal reached over 1,100 peo-

ple. Proceeds from the Souvenir Journal assisted the AKArama Foundation, Inc. in providing

over $55,000.00 in scholarships for college bound students.

Enclosed you will find a Souvenir Journal form. Complete and return the form with your check

or money order made payable to the AKArama Foundation, Incorporated. To be included in the

Souvenir Journal, the deadline for receipt for advertisement and full payment is Friday, Septem-

ber 29, 2017.

Please email the Ad Contract and the Ad to akaramasouvenirjournal@thetaomega.com

Mail payment in full to:

AKArama Foundation, Inc. Community Service Center

Deborah A. Underwood – Souvenir Journal

6220 South Ingleside Avenue

Chicago, IL 60637

Sincerely,

Deborah A. Underwood Ouida Dyer-Bradford Bertina M. Power-Stewart Deborah A. Underwood Ouida Dyer-Bradford Bertina M. Power-Stewart

Chairman General Chairman President

Souvenir Journal AKArama 2017 AKArama Foundation, Inc.

AKARAMA FOUNDATION, INC.  AKArama 2017 – Lift Off to Planet AKArama 

SOUVENIR PROGRAM JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENT CONTRACT 

DEADLINE FOR ADS AND FULL PAYMENT: September 29, 2017  

                    (THETA OMEGA SORORS ONLY)     

AD RATES  COLOR    BLACK & WHITE   COLOR      BLACK & WHITE   

BACK COVER  ____$600.00    N/A    ____$550.00    _____$400.00 

INSIDE COVER  ____$500.00    N/A    ____$450.00    _____$300.00 

PINK/GOLD or           N/A    N/A    ____$250.00    _____$200.00 

SILVER PAGE             

FULL PAGE  ____$250.00  _____$200.00    ____$200.00    _____$150.00 

HALF PAGE  ____$175.00  _____$125.00    ____$125.00    _____$100.00 

QUARTER PAGE ____$125.00  _____$100.00    ____$100.00    _____$85.00 

BUSINESS CARD   _____$40.00        _____$35.00  

Subscriber/Name: ______________________________________________________________________ 

Company Name or Ad Description: ________________________________________________________ 

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ 

Phone:  ____________________ Fax: ____________________ Email: ____________________________ 

Attached (Please Circle One):    Hard Copy of Ad    Business Card 

MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO THE AKARAMA FOUNDATION, INC. Payment enclosed:    

Amount: _______________ Cash ________ Check# _______ Money Order # _______________ 

Solicitor’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________ 

Address: _________________________________ City: _______________ State: _____ Zip: _________ 

Notes and/or Comments: _______________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

Please note: In order for an ad to be placed in the Souvenir Journal,  Two steps must be taken: 

 1. Payment must be sent to Deborah A. Underwood – Souvenir Journal at the AKArama Foundation Inc., 

Community Service Center, 6220 S. Ingleside Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637.  Make checks or money orders payable to AKArama Foundation, Inc.   

2. All advertisements, and this completed document, must be submitted electronically to the following address: akaramasouvenirjournal@thetaomega.com.  Please include your check number or money order number on this document (see above).  If submitting cash, please indicate on this document (see above).   

AKArama Foundation, Incorporated®and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Theta Omega Chapter

Save The Date

Saturday, October 28, 20176 pm Cocktail reception7 pm DinnerHyatt Regency ChicagoEast Tower - Grand Ballroom151 East Wacker DriveChicago, ILDonation: $115 per person

Cocktail Reception - Art Auction, Dinner - Entertainment - Casino Gaming and Dancing