Detroit Connection holds annual Red Dress Gala

The Detroit Connection Inc. got an early start celebrating Valentine’s Day. Members and friends enjoyed the annual Red Dress Gala that benefits the organization’s scholarship fund. The event was held Feb. 7 at Hanneman Hall in Sun City Anthem in Henderson.

It was the 10th year for the party with a cause. The co-chairwomen of this year’s Red Dress Gala were Sylvia Millender and Glennie Gaines.

Special recognition went to member Daisy Midgett, a former Detroiter who has given years of volunteer service to the Detroit Connection.

The nonprofit organization engages in civic, charitable and scholarship activities. Its mission is also to help former Detroiters transition to the Las Vegas community.

Guests dined on salmon, fresh vegetables and beef Burgundy. Musical guest DJ Ricochet kept the party going strong until midnight.

Guests included Betty and Thomas Wilkerson, Gloria and Thomas Washington, Brandon and Sherry Snead, Ann and Louis Lample, Mary and Jay Smith, Gwen Rogers, Mignon Brown, Tommy Cason, Sharon Skipworth, and Mary and Dave Jones.

Also among the guests were Sylvia Allen, president of 100 Black Women; Kathleen Knight, president of the Las Vegas Links Inc.; E. Lavonne Lewis of The Salvation Army; and Marie Ray Scott, president of Girlfriends Inc.

So far, the group has given more than $125,000 in scholarships. Detroit Connection President Christy Cason says this year’s students will graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno; the University of Southern California; Alabama State University; Michigan State University; and Syracuse University.

The four-year scholarship winners also have secured prestigious internships with major corporations. Some have worked for congressmen, while others have had the opportunity to study abroad.

“Our goal is to help students go to college, stay in college and prepare for their future,” Cason explained.

Mignon Brown, Jackie Cook, Juanita Green, Doris Mason and Mary Carol Padgett founded the organization in 1998. It supports The Shade Tree shelter, gives shoes to students, participates in the Big Give, and tutors pupils at Fitzgerald Elementary School in North Las Vegas.

There also are associate members who pay dues each year. They are Detroiters from across America who support the Detroit Connection’s civic endeavors. They are part of hundreds of members who attend Detroit’s annual picnic every September. Money raised at the picnic also supports the scholarship winners.

Jackie Cook, who was the Detroit Connection’s president for five years, says the organization does a lot to help its members.

“We help the sick, fill in as caregivers and are always there to support each other when anyone needs help,” Cook says. “It’s Detroiters helping each other.”

The annual scholarship luncheon for graduating students is scheduled for May 31 at Canyon Gate Country Club. The Detroit Connection will accept four-year scholarship applications in the fall.