Recently the Pasadena-Altadena Chapter of the Links Inc. hosted their annual holiday gathering, “Holidays with the Links” in Paseo Colorado’s Noor Ballroom.

At the sold-out affair, over 250 guests enjoyed a lively cocktail reception, savory brunch fare, and greetings from Chapter President Yvonne Hill and Event Chair Mildred Dockery. Four Pasadena area community champions were honored: Lucille Bartlett, Chapter Charter Member of 53 years; Sylvia Wiggins, Alumnae Member of 48 years & long term co-chair of the chapter’s annual Senior Talent Show; Billy Mitchell, jazz musician and producer of various music programs for San Gabriel valley students, and PUSD’s 2016 Principal of the Year, Timothy Sippel, John Muir High School.

Guests from as far away as Dallas, TX to San Francisco, CA along with Pasadena natives marveled as Marissa Dodd, a previous Links Up for Success mentee & 2013 Scholar of Excellence chapter scholarship recipient, described her appreciation in being able to purchase her quarterly textbooks and the overall positive impact the chapter has had on her educational pursuits. The UCLA senior will graduate in June 2017 with a Bachelor in Gender Studies and education minor. Marissa stated “the financial support of the chapter eased the stress of exams because I was able to get all the materials I needed. My community involvement has impacted me the most, and the chapter instilled in me a desire to be a leader and go back and help my community.”

The festive crowd, danced the afternoon away to the soulful jazz tunes of Gail Pettis and her band.

The annual chapter fundraiser raised $20,000 for the chapter’s 28th annual Isaac McClelland Memorial Scholarship which benefits graduating PUSD seniors. The chapter has awarded over $525,000 in college scholarships to PUSD students. For over 50 years, The Pasadena-Altadena Chapter of The Links has served the community with programs focused on cultural, educational and civic affairs. To learn more about the chapter please visit www.pasadenaaltadenalinksinc.org