By Marilyn Ford
The Dillon County Branch of the NAACP held their Annual Freedom Fund Banquet recently.
The introduction of the Dais, Toastmaster, and special guests was done by Mrs. Nina Bradley. The toastmaster of the evening was Apostle Michael Goings, pastor of Outreach Family Fellowship- Dillon.
Reverend Frankie Thomas led the audience in singing “Life Every Voice and Sing” in joyous, uplifting melodious voices. Afterwards, Reverend Thomas led us to the Throne of Grace.
The warm welcome came from Ms. Angel Bethea, First Vice-President of the chapter. Greetings were extended by Dillon County councilman Randy Goings, Dr. Jachelle Sprattling, and Mrs. Helen Richardson-Davis.
Chancher Applewhite, and 8th grade honor student at Dillon Middle School, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tyrone Applewhite, sang inspirational versions of “Lord I’m So Grateful” and “His Eye Is On the Sparrow.” Cequordric Page, a senior at Dillon High School and the son of Mr. Cedric Page, melodiously played “Take Me to the King” on the saxophone. Their talented performances were enthusiastically received by the audience.
Mrs. Ruby Carter conducted the Memorial Tribute. The Memory Candle was lit in honor of the deceased persons of the organization on the local, state, and national levels. The candle flickered brightly as her fond reflections emitted reverence and fond memories. The befitting poem “Waiting in the Next Room” was read at the conclusion.
The speaker of the hour; Elder Kevin Thomas, was introduced by Mrs. Claretha Whitfield. Elder Thomas, a native of Dillon, was educated in the Dillon Public School System, the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the owner of House of Thomas Funeral Home, a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for North and South Carolina, and a member of the National South Carolina Mortician Association. He is past Polmarch of the Florence-Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., past chairman of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, and the McLeod Medical Center-Dillon Advisory Board. He is president of the Dillon Rotary Club. He serves on the board of the Pee Dee Chapter of Coalition Against Domestic Violence for Dillon and serves on the Dillon County Theater Board.
Elder Thomas has pastored United Methodist churches in Bennettsville and Myrtle Beach. He is a member of Florence Christian Center in Florence under the leadership of Pastor Mike and Doris Melvin.
Kevin is the son of Mr. Tyrone and Mrs. Georgie Thomas, the brother of Jackie and Reggie, and the father of Kevin Justin Thomas.
Elder Thomas spoke on how the “Word” has impacted his life, his walk with God, his fellow man, and the importance of mentors in the home and community. Leadership is very important. Every aspect in life has a leader.
We should respect and support leadership, love our fellow man, and remember with God all things are possible. He recapped the purpose and the mission statement for the NAACP. Please be informed, involved, resourceful, and make a positive difference in society. At the conclusion of his dynamic and powerful message, the audience gave a standing ovation and a resounding applause.
The special recognition plaque was awarded to Mr. Timmie and Mrs. Valerie Faulk in honor of their outstanding service and valuable contributions to the community.
The appeal was given by Mr. Famon Whitfield, Jr., president of the chapter. This organization has worked diligently to benefit humanity since its insurrection in 1909. We are encouraged to join the NAACP. Membership has its privileges.
The food was blessed and the benediction given by Overseer Joseph Graham. A sumptuous dinner was served and the hour of socialization continued.
We appreciate the support of all of our sponsors and patrons. All hats off to the NAACP officers and the Freedom Fund Banquet Committees, and the toastmaster for doing a stupendous job. “Thou who has by The might led us into the light, keep up forever in the path we pray.”