BY KIMBERLY D. COLLINS, TIMES STAFF WRITER
ORLANDO – ‘It’s not the quantity of years one lives, but the quality of life that is important.” This is the motto of The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, Inc. The organization honors the lifetime accomplishments of the late mother of Dr. Lucille O’Neal and her siblings, who worked as a nurse for many years. The Fund was established to help nursing students achieve their goals and earn their nursing degrees.
Saturday, May 13, 2013 was a day of celebration! Dr. Lucille O’Neal and Family welcomed a Sold Out crowd to The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund’s 11th Annual Faith and Fellowship Luncheon at the Grand Ballroom of the Rosen Centre Hotel. The theme for the 2023 event was “Message in The Music” and, as expected, it did not disappoint!
Guests were enthralled by amazing musical performances by some truly amazing artists. There were the beautiful vocals of Angela Moss Poole, and a rousing performance by Jazz saxophonist Naomi Joi and violinist Felicha Easterling. The Headliner for the event was the incomparable Dottie Peoples who never fails to get the entire room on its feet!
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the afternoon, Jojo O’Neal, kept the crowd engaged as she recognized Community Partners and handed out door prizes to several very excited guests. The event was truly a family affair and the nieces, nephews and grandchildren of Dr. Lucille assisted in handing out door prizes and assisting guests to their tables. In addition to the presentations and outstanding entertainment, a number of local businesses were on hand to showcase their wares and introduce their goods and services to the guests who were more than happy to partake in all they had to offer.
Always gracious, Dr. Lucille O’Neal offered her heartfelt thanks to the Orlando community for their continued support, “I would like to say that we are grateful for the support that The Orlando Times continues to give us year after year. We have been in existence since 1996 growing and thriving through grassroots fundraising. Because Odessa worked in the nursing field for years, our efforts are to primarily raise money for nursing scholarships. However, we do the best that we can to provide additional support to various organizations that improve the quality of another’s life. Portions of the proceeds from the annual Faith and Fellowship Luncheon is given to colleges and/or universities that identify a need in the nursing program, etc. Our Mother was big on the village concept that says “it takes a village to raise a child.” She supported the family, church, neighbors, coworkers and anyone that had a special need. We celebrate her at every opportunity and we thank the Orlando community for celebrating with us and tapping into the mission that we have for the ODESSA CHAMBLISS QUALITY OF LIFE FUND.”
Congratulations to the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, Inc., Dr. Lucille O’Neal and Kim McNair Productions on another spectacular event and a beautiful tribute to the woman for which it was named!
