 Fifth Annual Elder Christmas Banquet
(December 2010) The Elder Services Department of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina hosted its Fifth Annual Elder’s Christmas Banquet on December 2nd at the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center. [photos]
“As I look around I see such a wonderful group of trail blazers,” said Lumbee Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett, “a lot of you have allowed us to be where we are today.”
Elder Services Manager Natascha Tilson opened the dinner by giving special thanks to her staff who worked for roughly three months raising money to make the event possible. Tilson paid tribute the community sponsors listed in the program who helped make the event a success.
After opening commentary Senior Miss Lumbee Eva Oxendine sang ‘Beautiful Star of Bethlehem’ followed by Reverend and Tribal District 13 Representative Ricky Burnett blessing the dinner.
The Elder’s Choir gave special entertainment by singing ‘Go tell it on the Mountain’ and ‘Silent Night.’ Immediately after, a surprise presentation was performed by Porky the Pig and his two elves. [photos]
As a highlight of the evening, before the Elder of the Year was announced, each elder nominated from their local Heritage Group was called to the stage and given a plaque commemorating their nomination. Each Elder must have been nominated from the group through application process that was submitted easier in year. From the 14 Elder’s that won only one with the highest score was name The Elder of the Year, Mrs. Diane Goins. [photos]
Adding to the excitement of the night, Tilson gave away gifts from Santa where random names were chosen from a bowl. A slide show presentation of a review of the 2010 calendar year along with another surprise entertainment by celebrity guests concluded the night. Dinner was provided by Fuller’s BBQ and was served by Lumbee Boys & Girls Club members and volunteers. |
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