the premier pearl: issue 1

The Premier Pearl Summer -Fall Issue 2011

Dove Note from the President

Greetings and thank you for reading the chapter newsletter of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter. Since 1989, we have developed programs and initiatives to serve the needs of the Markham community, surrounding suburbs and the Chicagoland area. Our chapter has a membership of college educated, innovative women with diverse professional backgrounds who have a common goal to serve the community. We use simple beliefs, bold ideas, and the desire for change as tools to uplift those in need. We invite women who have not completed college, but have a desire to serve the community, to join our Amicae (Friends of Zeta) Auxiliary. We also invite girls ages 4 18 to join our youth auxiliaries. Xi Mu Zeta encourages sisterhood and fosters an atmosphere where women are excited and motivated to lend their time and talent for the betterment of humanity. We are dedicated to upholding the ideals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood through our workshops, signature programs, and with partnerships and collaboration. -HOPE (Zeta's Helping Other People Excel) Initiative, we bring a multi-dimensional approach to our programs. The Z-HOPE Initiative is an interactive, holistic, outreach program designed to enhance, cultivate, and empower participants toward healthy lifestyle choices. area with the spirit of Z-HOPE and growing economic challenges in mind. Working with community partners and supporters allows us to touch the pulse of the people we serve. We value our partnerships with other non-profit organizations, especially those who complement our Z-HOPE initiatives. Signature programs are developed using our 501c3 organization The Pearl Foundation. As the charitable arm of Xi Mu Zeta, the foundation is used to initiate funding for annual scholarships and programs such as Stork's Nest, Girl Power, Adopt-A-Family, and our Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the newsletter! Xi Mu Zeta Chapter welcomes you to learn more about our programs. We hope to see you at our upcoming events. Please feel free to share your interest by contacting [email protected].

Adrienne E. Turner Xi Mu Zeta President

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a community conscious, action oriented organization that takes a

holistic approach to providing service, with a sincere desire

to touch the pulse of the community through our programs and partners.

IN THIS ISSUE

ZOL Leadership

Conference

Relay for Life

Kid fest

Markham Fest

Girl Power

Membership Fall Informational

IL State

Leadership Conference

Making Strides for Breast Cancer

Sisters of Soul & Song

Southland Coalition

Thanks4Giving

Annual Toy Drive

Holiday Party

Amicae Fundraiser

The Pearl Foundation

UPCOMING EVENTS

mailto:[email protected]


Sheryl P. Underwood, 23rd International President, welcomed everyone to Washington, D.C., for the Zeta Organizational Leadership training July 7-10, 2011. A number of members from Xi Mu Zeta Chapter were in attendance. The leadership training highlights include, but are not limited to: Great workshops, The debut of the Zeta National Choir and tours of Washington, D.C. About the Zeta Organizational Leadership Program

The Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) program is a future-focused, na-tionally structured intensified leadership training program that serves as the

forts. It was designed to ensure a future talent pool of leadership for Zeta on the national level of our Sorority by delivering consistent, high quality training. It was developed by a think tank of talented Sorors from diverse backgrounds who are experts in their respective fields and are serving and have served at the highest levels within Zeta and others organizations. The overarching goal of the ZOL program is to provide Zetas with the essential knowledge and skills to be exceptional leaders within and as a natural re-sult, outside of Zeta. It is wholly focused on training Zetas who are cur-rently in leadership positions and who want to become leaders.

The Harvey/Markham Relay for Life Event was held on July 23, 2011. This life-changing event is hosted in communities across the United States. It is a celebration for individuals who have battled Cancer and fought back against the disease, as well as, an opportunity to remember lost loved ones. WHITE PEARLS & BLUE SHIELDS (Xi Mu Zeta and Omicron Alpha Sigma) helped the South Suburban Relay

for Xi Mu Zeta by selling specialty cookies, candies and other items. We also partnered with the Housing, Police and Fire Departments of Markham, IL to reach fundraising goals.

RELAY FOR LIFE

ZETA ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP


Xi Mu Zeta Chapter held the annual Girl Power workshops on August 24, 2011 at Markham City Hall. There were 95 young ladies ages 7-17 who were empowered at this event. They learned about self-esteem, being self confident, financial independence and careers. The young ladies received breakfast, lunch and book bags filled with school supplies. They were entertained with a mini step show by our Amicettes and members of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter.

The City of Markham had its annual Markham Festival on August 20, 2011

and performances by Greek organizations. Xi Mu Zeta Chapter had an information table and we answered questions about our Sorority and upcoming events.

MARKHAM FEST

Ingalls Memorial Hospital and Family Christian Health Center had its annual Kid Fest on July 30, 2011 across the street from Ingalls Hospi-tal in Harvey, IL. Kid Fest is an event where children can get school physicals, dental screenings and immunizations prior to starting the school year. The women of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter and Friends of Zeta participated by providing information about the Sorority, Xi Mu Zeta

Power workshops.

KID FEST

GIRL POWER


The Membership Committee hosted its Fall Informational and Mother/Daughter Tea on Saturday, September 24, 2011

members, Friends of Zeta, Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes presented in-formation to future and returning members of our illustrious organization. Participants were informed about Zeta History, Xi Mu Zeta History, Auxiliary History, National and local partnerships, programs and events. The participants were also entertained with games, activities, refreshments; plus, a special Zeta stroll and song.

Xi Mu Zeta members were on the move at the 45th Annual State Leadership Conference on September 30th - October 1st at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, hosted by Phi Delta Chap-ter. Xi Mu Zeta chapter received recognition and 3rd place for our Z-HOPE initiatives. Xi

and chaired the bylaws committee meeting. Illinois State Representative, Connie Pugh,

workshops and MIP certification.

A BLUTIFUL STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Xi Mu Zeta Chapter and Amicettes partnered with the Southland Coalition and Ingalls Memorial Hospital at their annual Breast Cancer Forum on October 15, 2011. This year's event was held at Georgios'

the Southland Coalition Board. Chapter members along with the Amicettes, supporters and friends assisted with hosting, registration and general assistance in making this event a success. The event included a Q & A with a diverse panel board of cancer survivors, family members of late cancer patients, and medical pro-fessionals. Surveys were distributed and collected for constructive feedback on the program. A raffle was held and to-kens of appreciation were awarded to the lucky winners.

SOUTHLAND COALITION BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FORUM


MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was held October 16, 2011 at Centennial Park in Orland Park, Illinois. Xi Mu Zeta chapter is an annual participant in this event. The Making Strides event is not a race; it is a 5k walk and celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love. When we raise funds for a Making Strides event, we are helping create a world with less breast cancer.

THANKS4GIVING With the spirit of Service and Sisterhood, Xi Mu Zeta Chapter provided Thanksgiving Baskets to 6 families in the Markham area on November 20, 2011. The family names were submitted by Victory Christian Assemble Church and Christ Temple M. B. Church both of Markham. The members of Xi Mu Zeta helped with the shopping, packing and delivering of the baskets. It was a wonderful experience to see the joy on the faces of these families when they received their baskets. Each church expressed their appreciation and gratitude to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Xi Mu Zeta Chapter for this annual project.

On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Xi Mu Zeta Chapter had her Fall Fundraiser. Xi Mu Zeta member, Terisa Griffin, was in concert with her sister Mary Griffin at the historic DuSable Museum. The event was an outstanding success. Guests were treated to a pre-concert reception, a

and produced by Phi Beta Sigma member Randy

-themed bookmark, and other items donated by supporters and friends. Months later, our guests are still talking about the wonderful time that they had that evening.


December 9, 2011 to wrap the toys from our toy drive. Members of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter, Friends of Zeta, and our youth were present to wrap gifts. The toys were donated to various local organizations throughout Markham, IL and Chicagoland.

ANNUAL TOY DRIVE The Annual Toy Drive was held on December 8, 2011 at Buffalo Wild Wings, in Calumet City, IL. This signature event of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter raised over 200 toys and gifts cards. All donations benefited Family Rescue, Inc., Markham Park District, Stevie Wonder's House Full of Toys, our Adopt-A-Family program and more Xi Mu Zeta Members, Amicae, other Illinois Zeta Chapters, Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma, family and friends enjoyed a great night for a worthy cause. Special thanks to the Ruff Ryders for their contributions.

Kudos to Xi Mu Zeta on a Job well Done!


The Holiday Party was held on December 10, 2011 at the Transitional House in Chicago, Illinois. This is an annual signature event of Xi Mu Zeta. Chapter members and friends did a wonderful job giving a helping hand. The children participated in a variety of arts and crafts that sparked their creativity. After having a meal each child was amazed as their dear friend Santa Claus walked through the door. Gifts were given to each party goer as they visited with Santa. As the children and their parents departed they received a holiday goodie bag filled with treats. Everyone pulled together with the Christmas Spirit and made this a memorable day.

HOLIDAY PARTY

Adopt-A-Family is funded by our charitable arm, The Pearl Foundation. The Adopt-A-Family initiative provides the adopted families with food, staples and other items needed during the holiday season and beyond. The families are recommended by our community partners in the South Subur-ban Markham area. Adopt-A-Family program offers the gifts of hope, encouragement and caring to those in need.

Xi Mu Zeta Chapter believes in giving. Annually, we adopt a local family and present them with gifts. On Saturday, December 24, 2011, Xi Mu Zeta chapter members and our youth auxiliary delivered holiday cheer. Mr. Randall Johnson and his family was very thankful for the kindness shown to them.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY


For the past four years, The Pearl Foundation has raised money for scholarship by staffing a concession stand at Soldier Field. Chapter members, family and friends greeted, cheered, and sang, as we served the fans at soccer games, concerts and Chicago Bears games. Our efforts helped us award $10,000 in scholar-

ships to four graduating high school seniors and one returning

done it without you! As the charitable arm of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., The Pearl Foundation takes a holistic approach to servicing the community. Exemplifying the ideals of scholarship, service and sisterly love, the foundation awards annual scholar-ships, partners with community based organizations to provide service, and mentors youth through the youth auxiliaries of the sorority. Honoring its commitment to the community, the founda-tion has formed alliances with other not-for-profit organizations. The foundation also develops signature programs to fulfill the needs of our community.

THE PEARL FOUNDATION

On December 17, 2011, the Friends of Zeta Auxiliary (known as Amicae) of Xi Mu Zeta Chapter held a

South Holland, Illinois. Xi Mu Zeta chapter members, family and friends came out to enjoy the raffles,

their support in making the event a success.


UPCOMING EVENTS


twenty-two women linked by a common goal to support their community and to uphold the ideals of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Incorporated. The chapter, based in Markham, Illinois, provides community service throughout Markham and other south suburbs as well as the Chicago Metropolitan area. Honoring its commitment to women, in 1989 Xi Mu Zeta adopted the Family Rescue Shelter a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Chapter members coordinate monthly workshops on health, beauty and employment to assist the women's transition back to normal lifestyles. The chapter also brings cheer to families living at the shelter during the holidays. Our signature programs, Adopt-A-Family, Girl Power, The Family Rescue An-nual Holiday Party and Stay Awake for Babies are designed to join forces with organizations in the community in efforts to serve in a consistent manner. Xi Mu Zeta Chapter believes in community involvement among youth and adults. The chapter currently has Pearlettes, Amicettes and Archonettes as well as an Amicae Auxiliary to help accomplish greater community service goals. The chapter actively supports the efforts of local and national organizations - including The City of Markham; Family Rescue, Inc.; Ingalls Memorial Hospital; Markham Park District; March of Dimes; American Heart Association; Southland Coalition to Conquer Breast Cancer; Lupus Foundation of IL; Healthy Baby Network; Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago; and, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois. Since its inception, Xi Mu Zeta Chapter's achievements have been applauded. The chapter has received numerous certificates of merit and awards within the sorority and the community we serve. Contact Us: P.O. Box 497 Markham, Illinois 60428-0497 Phone: 877-XMZ-1989 Website: www.ximuzeta89.org Email:[email protected]

XI MU ZETA HERITAGE 2010-2012

Executive Board

Adrienne E. Turner President

Karen A. Franklin 1st Vice President

Nicole Hondras Recording Secretary

Michele E. Posey Treasurer

Nadine Glover Financial Secretary

Vera M. Paul Parliamentarian

Rebecca Y. Kuykendoll Historian

Gwendolyn Smith Chaplain

Special thanks to the Executive Board,

Committee Chairs & the best Marketing Committee for your contributions to the

Premier Pearl Newsletter.

Rebecca Y. Kuykendoll Editor-in-Chief

the premier pearl: issue 1

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