Peninsula Bay Chapter HistoryOn November 5, 1960 in Palo Alto, California, fifteen (15) civic minded women came together to promise to serve the communities of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Bound by this commitment to serve the community, they sought sponsorship from the San Francisco Chapter to become a part of The Links, Inc. Upon its founding, The Peninsula Bay Chapter became the sixth chapter to be established in the State of California; the thirteenth chapter in the Western Area. Six years later, in 1966 the Peninsula Bay Chapter hosted the Western Area Conference.
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First Chapter President, Link Gladys Pettis led the chapter in supporting programs primarily for youth who lived in East Palo Alto. Support for the Arts and Services to families locally and internationally were also highlighted.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has a strong history of awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from proceeds received from our fundraisers. For many years our Monte Carlo Fundraiser night offered the surrounding community a night of fun, centered around casino-type activities where participants played for various prizes donated by local businesses and groups. Patrons and guests waited anxiously each year for this very lucrative event. Although gaming was discontinued, for several years the chapter held a Monte Carlo Goes Showtime, a variety show, which featured chapter members, “The Hot Links” who performed a dance routine. In recent years, the chapter fundraisers have featured established collaborations with local organizations such as the Black Wine Vintners, and held “Hats Off” events which recognize outstanding leaders in the community. We also support and contribute to UNCF. We take pride in knowing that we have contributed to the success of several famous people. A few of our well-known scholarship recipients are National Figure Skating Champion Debbie Thomas and internationally renowned concert pianist Karen Hutchinson.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has been recognized for its programming and has received area awards in 1970, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2010. The Arts Facet programming has continued to expose the children in our community to annual visits to local museums, theatres and other events which provide cultural enrichment. Since 2013, we have partnered with the East Palo Alto YMCA to provide hands-on art and art history classes focusing on various art mediums and legends. Initial programming for youth began with furnishing a room at The Girl’s Club, providing linens and furniture for families assisted by Volunteers of America. Camperships were made available for underprivileged youth for one or two weeks stay at camps located in Northern California. For years we conducted a Tennis Tournament which provided a forum for our youth to participate in tennis clinics as well as give them an opportunity to compete. We have sponsored The Reading Program at the East Palo Alto Children’s Library, the Dictionary Project for third graders in the Ravenswood School District, and provided family activities for mothers and children, who are housed in shelters and rehabilitation facilities (e.g.. Malaika House). For decades, we participated in the Ecumenical Hunger Program which tries to create a strong, stable community by assisting families in need who reside in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park, CA. In 2014, the chapter initiated the African American Scholars Links to Success program and work with the Black Student Unions in the Sequoia Union High School district to increase the number of African American students who enroll and graduate from four-year colleges. In 2015, we awarded $23,000 in college scholarships. In 2016 we awarded $13,000 in scholarships. By 2017 our total awards for 473 students will exceed $320,000. In 2016, we initiated a grant (sponsored by Jamba Juice) to the Girls to Women organization in East Palo Alto for supporting a gardening project. We volunteer our support for Soul Stroll, a component of the African-American Health Awareness program. Internationally, we have supported a medical clinic and water wells in Ghana and Haiti. Several chapter members have visited Jamaica and delivered school supplies and provided internet access to enhance educational opportunities for middle school students. In 2015 and 2016, we supplied materials for shoes and funds to combat jiggers which prey upon children in Uganda thru the Sole Hope project.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has been commended for our leadership in sustaining for thirty years, the annual Interfaith Community Martin L. King Jr. Birthday Celebration program. This program features distinguished activists who seek to educate children about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. It culminates with a celebratory community event with notable presenters such as Joan Baez, Drs. Clay Carson, Emil Thomas, Floyd Thompkins, and music performed by local artists and community choirs.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter can claim leaders who have held National and Western Area elected offices in The Links: Link Sara Butler, National Treasurer (1984-1988) and Western Area Treasurer (1979-1983). Link Evelyn Banks Neely, Western Area Treasurer (1999-2001). Link Lorraine Dabney served as Co-Chair, Western Area Protocol Committee. The Peninsula Bay Chapter is recognized in the local community as an organization of outstanding women who are transforming lives. We have received awards, commendations and other acknowledgments from the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, several cities, churches, schools, and other groups who applaud our accomplishments. Our current president is Tamara Sisk (2021-2023).
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has a strong history of awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from proceeds received from our fundraisers. For many years our Monte Carlo Fundraiser night offered the surrounding community a night of fun, centered around casino-type activities where participants played for various prizes donated by local businesses and groups. Patrons and guests waited anxiously each year for this very lucrative event. Although gaming was discontinued, for several years the chapter held a Monte Carlo Goes Showtime, a variety show, which featured chapter members, “The Hot Links” who performed a dance routine. In recent years, the chapter fundraisers have featured established collaborations with local organizations such as the Black Wine Vintners, and held “Hats Off” events which recognize outstanding leaders in the community. We also support and contribute to UNCF. We take pride in knowing that we have contributed to the success of several famous people. A few of our well-known scholarship recipients are National Figure Skating Champion Debbie Thomas and internationally renowned concert pianist Karen Hutchinson.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has been recognized for its programming and has received area awards in 1970, 1971, 1983, 1995, and 2010. The Arts Facet programming has continued to expose the children in our community to annual visits to local museums, theatres and other events which provide cultural enrichment. Since 2013, we have partnered with the East Palo Alto YMCA to provide hands-on art and art history classes focusing on various art mediums and legends. Initial programming for youth began with furnishing a room at The Girl’s Club, providing linens and furniture for families assisted by Volunteers of America. Camperships were made available for underprivileged youth for one or two weeks stay at camps located in Northern California. For years we conducted a Tennis Tournament which provided a forum for our youth to participate in tennis clinics as well as give them an opportunity to compete. We have sponsored The Reading Program at the East Palo Alto Children’s Library, the Dictionary Project for third graders in the Ravenswood School District, and provided family activities for mothers and children, who are housed in shelters and rehabilitation facilities (e.g.. Malaika House). For decades, we participated in the Ecumenical Hunger Program which tries to create a strong, stable community by assisting families in need who reside in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park, CA. In 2014, the chapter initiated the African American Scholars Links to Success program and work with the Black Student Unions in the Sequoia Union High School district to increase the number of African American students who enroll and graduate from four-year colleges. In 2015, we awarded $23,000 in college scholarships. In 2016 we awarded $13,000 in scholarships. By 2017 our total awards for 473 students will exceed $320,000. In 2016, we initiated a grant (sponsored by Jamba Juice) to the Girls to Women organization in East Palo Alto for supporting a gardening project. We volunteer our support for Soul Stroll, a component of the African-American Health Awareness program. Internationally, we have supported a medical clinic and water wells in Ghana and Haiti. Several chapter members have visited Jamaica and delivered school supplies and provided internet access to enhance educational opportunities for middle school students. In 2015 and 2016, we supplied materials for shoes and funds to combat jiggers which prey upon children in Uganda thru the Sole Hope project.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter has been commended for our leadership in sustaining for thirty years, the annual Interfaith Community Martin L. King Jr. Birthday Celebration program. This program features distinguished activists who seek to educate children about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. It culminates with a celebratory community event with notable presenters such as Joan Baez, Drs. Clay Carson, Emil Thomas, Floyd Thompkins, and music performed by local artists and community choirs.
The Peninsula Bay Chapter can claim leaders who have held National and Western Area elected offices in The Links: Link Sara Butler, National Treasurer (1984-1988) and Western Area Treasurer (1979-1983). Link Evelyn Banks Neely, Western Area Treasurer (1999-2001). Link Lorraine Dabney served as Co-Chair, Western Area Protocol Committee. The Peninsula Bay Chapter is recognized in the local community as an organization of outstanding women who are transforming lives. We have received awards, commendations and other acknowledgments from the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, several cities, churches, schools, and other groups who applaud our accomplishments. Our current president is Tamara Sisk (2021-2023).
Founding Members
Lillian Ball
Cecile Dabney Louise Edmondson Azalea Gaines Marie Graham |
Lillian Ball
Cecile Dabney Louise Edmondson Azalea Gaines Marie Graham |
Lillian Ball
Cecile Dabney Louise Edmondson Azalea Gaines Marie Graham |