Winter white, elegance, and lunch with a purpose are the perfect way to spend a Saturday. The Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links Friendship Luncheon is the opportunity to do all three. Marking the 26th year of the annual event, this year is set to be the personification of sophistication. This year’s luncheon is Saturday, Feb. 1st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shabaine Farms and Event Center, 469 Posey Farm Rd, Raeford.
Attendees will immerse themselves in the ambiance of Shabaine Farms, from the marble flooring to the grand staircase. A perfect backdrop to this year’s luncheon theme, “Growing Our Legacy.” Setting the mood and tantalizing the eardrum, will be the always entertaining Book Black Women. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle, featuring one-of-a-kind, must-have prizes. The Friendship Luncheon is one of the biggest events bringing awareness to heart health. It also serves a larger purpose. The Friendship Luncheon is an opportunity to bring professional Black women together for a powerful and meaningful event, that will expand their network through connection and friendship. It's an opportunity for women to dress to impress and learn more about what the Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links is about, and their impact on the community.
“This signature event not only strengthens bonds of friendship but also raises awareness of heart health within our community,” member DeSandra Washington said. Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased through a member of the Fayetteville chapter.
The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service nonprofit organization for professional Black (of African descent) women. Under the dictum, “Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service,” the Fayetteville chapter was founded on February 11, 1951, by founding members Elizabeth Cameron, Ebbie Dorsay, Inez Ealey, Candice Johnson, Evelyn Groves, Juanita Lewis, Hilda Porter, Geneva Robinson, Beulah Quick, and Jessye Vick and was the 32nd incorporated national chapter.
As an organization founded for Black women, during a time when the rights of Black Americans were limited, The Links, Inc's importance in the communities that started chapters has always been vital. It has filled resource gaps and provided opportunities to youth. The organization has grown substantially since its inception in 1946, from national to international. The Fayetteville Chapter is currently one of 299 chapters in 41 states across the United States, Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. The Links, Incorporated was founded on the premise of being an organization “...committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Our core values are friendship, integrity, honesty, service, commitment, family relationships, courage, respect for self and others, legacy, confidentiality, responsibility, and accountability.”
The chapter focuses on three areas of service: The Arts, Service to Youth, and National Trends and Services with a focus on health. Their signature green and white colors can be found at any event they are supporting or hosting, with smiles on their faces. To learn more about the Fayetteville Chapter of NC Links visit the website at https://www.fayettevillenclinks.org/.

(The Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links will gather together for their 26th annual Friendship Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville, NC Chapter of the Links Facebook page)