ETA Omega Chapter Hosts Children's Christmas Party at Butler Street YMCA
On Saturday morning December 4, 2009, Eta Omega Chapter’s 2009 Christmas Party shared the joy of Christmas with young people at the historic Butler Street YMCA. The Christmas Party was a great success of fun and joy as the Chapter interacted with the community to benefit young children. Forty-two children and their parents were Eta Omega Chapter’s guests at the Christmas Party. The Christmas Party was a fun time for all in attendance, there were games, prizes, food and gifts. Eta Omega Chapter’s Social Action Committee sponsored the Christmas Party.
The Party guests were from four Atlanta area YMCA’s (the John Lucas YMCA, Westside YMCA, Eastside YMCA and Butler Street YMCA). The Chapter was recognized by Mr. John Reid, Vice President for Community Outreach of the Butler Street YMCA. Mr. Reid and the assembled guests applauded Eta Omega for its outpouring of generosity. Basileus, Bro. Joseph Robertson spoke on behalf of Eta Omega. Bro. Robertson welcomed all to the Party, gave a brief history of the Chapter and the Fraternity, and explained that the Party was occurring during the Chapter’s 90th Anniversary.
This was truly a fun morning and great Party! In the great spirit of fun that permeated the Party, the guests asked the Brothers to “Step”. We all know the Brothers can not withdraw from a call to “march”. Therefore, the Chapter Brothers presented “an impromptu step show”. Next, the Brothers led the children in games, with prizes for the winners. After “Steppin” and games, it was time for food. Eta Omega provided assorted pizzas, cup cakes, cookies, candy canes and beverages. After refreshments, gifts were given to the children. The children ranged in ages from three to fifteen years of age. Each child attending the Party received a gift.
The historic Butler Street YMCA was the ideal location for the Christmas Party. The Butler Street YMCA is located in the historic downtown Auburn Avenue neighborhood of Atlanta. The Butler Street YMCA has a rich history which spans more than a century of service to the Atlanta community. The Butler Street YMCA is the oldest independent Black YMCA in Atlanta.
Eta Omega has a strong relation with the Butler Street YMCA. At one time the Chapter met at the Butler Street YMCA and Eta Omega was a long time participant in the “Hungry Club Forum” which was a weekly speakers forum broadcasted by radio from the Butler Street YMCA. Eta Omega has annually provided memberships to the Butler Stree YMCA to assist deserving youth to participate in the Y’s programs and many Eta Omega Brothers have been members of the Butler Street YMCA themselves.
In order for some to have fun, it usually means others have to work and work hard. That is just what happened in the presentation of the Christmas Party. Eta Omega Chapter’s Social Action Committee worked mightily to insure Christmas cheer was shared with some deserving children.
Sharing is very often, its own reward! Eta Omega shared its bounty with others, and in the process, the Brothers enjoyed the Saturday morning as much or more than the children.
The Chapter’s Social Action Committee is led by Bro. Carlton Truitt. Bro. Truitt is supported by a Committee dedicated to bringing the Four Cardinal Principles to life in service to the community.
Eta Omega Chapter is located in southwest suburban Atlanta, Georgia. The Chapter is led by Basileus, Bro. Joseph Robertson and Vice Basileus, Bro. Ronald Coleman.
This article is respectfully
submitted by
Bro. Stedman S. Southall
Director of Public Relations
Eta Omega Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.