On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Rho Omega Chapter presented a $20,000 check to Gleaners Community Food Bank. This generous gift was provided through the chapter’s recent “Gala of the Century” event in Detroit, with an additional commitment to hosting their first food drive for Gleaners in the coming weeks. The funds will be used to support Gleaners’ mobile food distribution programs in the tri-county area, providing nutritious food for thousands of families in need.
“Our gift to Gleaners reflects our dedication to lifting up our communities and practicing high ethical and moral values,” said Carlyn J. Robinson, centennial president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Rho Omega Chapter. “When families, children, and individuals are empowered with the quality food they need to thrive, they can focus on other priorities that enable them to lead successful, enriching lives.”
Founded in 1908 at Howard University, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was the first African-American Greek-letter organization for college-educated women in the United States. Their legacy continues today as an international service organization with a mission “to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind.”
The Alpha Rho Omega Chapter, which was the first Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter in the state of Michigan, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Over the last century, the Alpha Rho Omega Chapter has been committed to leading by example, through establishing community partnerships that meet the needs of children and other neighbors, demonstrating high standards of scholarship and ethics, and practicing outreach to help members of the community benefit from the progress and success of their leaders.
“We’re both honored and grateful that the renowned Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Rho Omega Chapter chose to give back to the community through Gleaners,” said Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners, who met with members of the chapter at Gleaners’ headquarters in Detroit. “It takes a village to ensure a food-secure community, and their generous support is directly fueling our efforts to help families put wholesome meals on the table.”
Every $1 donation to Gleaners provides three meals to neighbors in need across Southeast Michigan. Please consider supporting Gleaners with a one-time donation, a monthly gift, a volunteer shift, or a food and fund drive.