CONTACT:
Kendra Danielle Chavis, Public Information Specialist
Office: 910.522.2204
Email: kdchavis@lumbeetribe.com
Fourth Annual Elders Christmas Banquet – A night of jubilation
(December 2009) The Lumbee Tribe Elder Services Department hosted its Fourth Annual Christmas Banquet Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at the Southeastern NC Agricultural Center from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. “I want to welcome everyone here tonight—first the Elders because without you nothing we do would be possible,” commenced Natascha Tilson, Elder Services manager, as she kicked off the night of festivities. “Your dedication, love and prayers are the driving force for us to expand opportunities each year for you; this is for how much we appreciate you and honor you as our Elders.” The night of celebration was made possible by over 140 sponsors.
Senior Miss Lumbee Helen Campbell(pictured right with Natasha Tilson speaking) set in motion the night of entertainment by royalty when she made her way to the stage to engage the crowd in singing along with her to “Silent Night.” Other members of royalty who performed was North Carolina Indian Senior Citizen Princess Mollie Jacobs with “Star of Bethlehem” and the 2009-2010 Lumbee Ambassadors with “Amazing Grace” a cappella style, with a lyrical dance performed by Junior Miss Lumbee.
Tilson presented the Honorable Jimmy Goins with and Eagle feather distinguishing his outstanding six years of service and dedication to the Tribal Elders. “I’m not deserving of this, I just want to say thank you. You’ve really touched my heart with this, it was totally unexpected,” remarked Chairman Goins.
“I was just making the comment about how our youth are serving our Elders tonight, it has come full circle and that is the way it should be,” continued Chairman Goins, “when you’re out here doing what it is that you do, these babies are watching and without you the Tribe wouldn’t be here.”
There were 11 Elder of the Year nominees, each receiving a plaque and $50 cash. Each candidate was scored on their application and individual essay by a panel of judges. Miss Gennell McMillian of Cherokee Church Heritage Group was named Elder of the Year(pictured below with Tammy Maynor and Chairman Jimmy Goins) receiving a large plaque along with a $200 cash award. According to her heritage group she behaves as if she receives Christmas presents everyday of her life, embodying perseverance, challenge, self-service and compassion.
The Christmas banquet concluded with a special guest appearance from the “Soggy Bottom Boys”(pictured below-left) and gifts for everyone who attended as they exited the building. For more information on this engagement and Tribal Elder Services please call (910) 521-8860.
