The West Palm Beach Chapter of The Links, Inc., held its tremendously successful 28th Annual White Rose Luncheon on Saturday, December 3, 2005 . The Luncheon, founded by Links Member Charlie L. Ellington, provides scholarships to needy students in the area of the Arts. Over the past 35 years, the West Palm Beach Chapter has donated thousands of dollars to deserving students. This year's event was held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center . The event began with a reception where the guests enjoyed a vendor marketplace with local business owners and perused sports, kitchen, spa, nutrition and other themed gift baskets from the silent auction. During both the reception and luncheon, students from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts displayed their talents, playing instruments including the violin and cello.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Talbert O. Shaw, Ph.D., President Emeritus Of Shaw University in Raleigh , North Carolina . Dr. Shaw gave the audience guidance and direction in his compelling speech on this year's theme, "Preserving Our Historically Black Colleges and Universities."

The West Palm Beach Chapter also presented the proceeds from their Annual Walk-A-Thon to Capurnia Cannon of Child Outreach, Inc., at the luncheon. At the conclusion of the luncheon, each guest received an engraved crystal ornament to kick off the Holiday Season, donated by Chapter members.

The law firm of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A., served as the Platinum sponsor of the event. Other sponsors included Pratt & Whitney; Talbert & Link Marlene Shaw; The Florida Atlantic University Foundation; Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando, P.L., Attorneys & Counselors at Law; Pleasanton , Greenhill & Associates, Court Reporters; Law Office of Isaacs Williams, P.A.; Nutrition Smart; John & Link Jessie Jenkins; Links Rosalyn Baker, Jackie Haygood, Jacquelyn Knowles, Italia Walker and Lillian Jones.

We view our organization as a vital "link" to help our young people achieve academic success and to infuse them with the excitement, joy, and love for the arts and cultural activities to help them become productive, well-rounded citizens in our community. Through this event, several needy students will realize their dream of attending college. This year, the West Palm Beach Chapter raised over fifteen thousand dollars for needy students. To view photos from the luncheon, please visit our event photos page.

Thank you for your support.