Alpha Kappa Alpha fundraiser will benefit TORCH, Pat Summitt Foundation, KARM

A June fundraiser will benefit three nonprofit organizations: TORCH, the Pat Summitt Foundation, and Knox Area Rescue Ministries, or KARM.

The June 13 fundraiser is sponsored by members of the Oak Ridge Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) Incorporated. The fundraiser, “Dancing with the AKAs,” will take place in the Knoxville Expo Center Ballroom on Clinton Highway.

The three nonprofits provide important services to the local communities, a press release said. TORCH, or Trinity Out-Reach Center of Hope, of Oak Ridge, provides supportive services and intensive care management to help the homeless. The Pat Summitt Foundation fights Alzheimer’s disease with a comprehensive approach. And KARM seeks to rescue the poor and provide life skills training and educational opportunities.

“Dancing with the AKAs” will feature local celebrities paired with dance professionals from the Oak Ridge/Knoxville area. The event is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 13, and it will provide an elegant evening bursting with entertainment, dancing, and good food, the press release said. An auction of several “priceless” items will be conducted by guest auctioneer Bear Stephenson.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is the oldest Greek letter organization established in America by black college-educated women, the release said. Since its inception in 1908, the sorority’s legacy of service has continued to focus on issues facing families and the community. The sorority’s national theme is “service to all mankind.”

“Two of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 2014-2018 national program thrusts are health promotion and family strengthening, which compel us to support agencies like those that will benefit from our event,” said Estella Simmons, president of the local Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and will cost $60. Tickets may be obtained from any member of the Oak Ridge AKA Chapter, or from Ruby Miller’s State Farm Insurance Office at 574 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge or by calling (865) 483-5663.

For additional information, contact Trellis Barksdale (865/482-2769) or Barbara Jackson (865/671-1612), co-chairs for the event.