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3 3 3 Dear Friends, Supporters and Community Leaders, With immense pride and excitement, I welcome you to the 2nd Annual Beautillion 2025, hosted by the West Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. This year’s theme, "Illuminating the Future: Black Excellence Unveiled," reflects the brilliance, resilience, and boundless potential of the young men we celebrate tonight. This Beautillion is more than a ceremony—it is a tribute to their achievements, a recognition of their promise, and a call to embrace the greatness ahead. Through mentorship and shared dedication to excellence, we uplift and inspire these outstanding young gentlemen. Your presence this evening is invaluable. As pillars of our community, your support reinforces the power of collective effort in shaping the future. The West Suburban Chicago Chapter remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate excellence and foster meaningful engagement, principles that align seamlessly with this event. Tonight, you will witness the culmination of months of preparation, growth, and determination. From poised presentations to powerful reflections, each moment showcases the strength, character, and aspirations of our Beaus— the true embodiment of our theme, lighting the way for future generations. Your participation highlights the impact of unity in driving positive change. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities, fostering leadership, and celebrating Black excellence in all its forms. On behalf of the West Suburban Chicago Chapter, I extend my deepest gratitude for your support. Let us celebrate these remarkable young men, uplift their dreams, and work together to illuminate a future of boundless success. For the Children, Nicole Fleming Nicole Fleming President West Suburban Chicago Chapter Jack and Jill America, Inc.
4 4 4 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Kimbra Bell Balark Kimbra Bell Balark 2025 Beautillion Co-Chair Greetings! The day has finally arrived for us to gather together and celebrate five distinguished young men representing the West Suburban Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America (WSCC) 2025 Beautillion. It has been both an honor and privilege to get to know these young men for the past sixteen weeks. The Beaus have committed themselves almost every Sunday since December 2024 to rehearsals and workshops. The experience over the past sixteen weeks has allowed them to connect with professional black men that elevated their minds, and we were honored to have first row seats to view their transformation. As Chair and Co-chair of the WSCC Beautillion, we have been given the honor of elevating our young African American Men in the community at a time when they are not often celebrated, and we stand in awe at the ability to do so. Through the WSCC Beautillion ’25 we have been able to embody Jack and Jill’s mission of nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening them through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty with weekly workshops. This Beautillion season’s workshops have included Candid Conversations About Being a Black Man in America: Navigating and Thriving; Mental Health Matters: Beyond Coping and on to Self-Care; Money Matters: Saving is the Floor, Not the Ceiling; Find, Hone, and Manifest Your Passion: How to Craft Fulfilling Careers. Our Beaus have learned and grown so much from each of these wonderful workshops which were presented by amazing black male leaders in our community! Giving Back While the 2025 WSCC Beautillion highlights these distinguished young African American men from our community, it is also a fundraiser allowing the young men to provide funding to community organizations that are committed to uplifting young African American Youth. As a result of their fundraising efforts, proceeds from tonight’s event will not only support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, which has been responsible for the funding of a large number of educational and charitable projects benefiting children and families in communities across the United States, it will also support one local charity - Fox Valley Christian Action(FVCA). Since 1977, FVCA has served children and families living in low-income communities of the Fox Valley by providing day camps as well as overnight camping experiences for children and teenagers at no cost to their families. FCVA’s master objective is to partner with the local church in discipling those in underresourced communities of the Fox River Valley into life-transforming relationships with Jesus Christ. The West Suburban Chicago Chapter (WSCC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc is pleased to help FVCA support its Teen Leadership Development Program which serves at-risk teens from middle school through high school in communities along the Fox River Valley including those in the cities of Elgin, Bartlett, Aurora, Oswego, and Montgomery to name a few. The WSCC donation will help FVCA fund its weekend mentoring retreats, spring break college tours, and weekly programming expenses including meals, transportation, and supplies for program participants. (Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and its children, do not receive any monies raised from this Beautillion). Tonight, you will have the pleasure of witnessing black excellence in the West Suburban Chicago Chapter’s Second Annual Beautillion “Illuminating the Future: Black Excellence Unveiled!” It is our hope that you will give generously throughout the evening so the funds our young men have raised thus far will double or triple, allowing them to give their chosen organization that much more! Now, let’s celebrate our distinguished Beaus! Mia Hardy Mia Hardy 2025 Beautillion Chair
5 5 5 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Betina Dunson-Johnson Betina Dunson-Johnson began her formal dance training at Perfect Rhythm under the direction of Renee Spinks and New Generation Dance Company under the direction of Roxiana Fuqua-Evans. While there she studied with Roxiana FuquaEvans, Tamara Wiley and Nicole Clarke Springer (Artistic Director of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater). She continued on into professional training at The Ohio State University where she studied extensively with Victoria Uris of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, John Giffin of Juilliard and Les Grands Ballets Canadians in Montreal, Valerie Mockabee of Juilliard, Susan Hadley of the Mark Morris Dance Group, Abby Yager and Ming-Lung Yang of the Trisha Brown Dance Company, Karen Eliot of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Susan Van Pelt Petry of Van Pelt Dance Ensemble of New York, Mary Glimcher of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Ballet Hispanico, as well as Nicole Stanton, Melanie White-Dixon, and Teena Custer. Betina has had the opportunity to work with many celebrated choreographers, teachers, and performers. She is currently choreographing and teaching nationally as an independent artist, directing/teaching/choreographing at Oak Park and River Forest High School and teaching at New Generation Dance Company. She has also been the recipient of a host of choreography and directing honors and awards. Betina holds a BFA in Dance Performance and an MA in Organizational Leadership.
6 6 6 The late Marion Stubbs Thomas founded Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, on January 24, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty mothers came together to discuss creating an organization to provide social, cultural and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. In 1946, 10 chapters were involved in the national restructuring process. The constitution and bylaws were drawn up, and the organization was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware. Since our founding in Philadelphia in January 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. has grown into a strong national organization. The story of its growth is one of amity and felicity. The idea of bringing together children in a social and cultural relationship spread to New York City, where a similar organization was started in 1939. The third club was formed in March 1940, in Washington, DC. Thus, Jack and Jill, which began as a local group of mothers, became an inter-city association. Enthusiasm and interest in Jack and Jill spread westward, after four successful years in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington. In 1944 a chapter was formed in Pittsburgh. Between 1944 and June 1946, Jack and Jill groups expanded to ten with the addition of the following chapters: Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Buffalo, New York; Columbus, Ohio; Durham, North Carolina and Memphis, Tennessee. Mrs. Dorothy Wright, who was president of the Philadelphia Club at this time, felt that Jack and Jill had reached a point when consideration of organizing these groups into a national organization was indicated. “The Philadelphia Chapter voted unanimously to call a meeting to bring these groups together into a national body when the formation of such was presented in my program for the year 1945-46. With this support of my chapter and with the encouragement of the clubs established or being formed, invitations were sent to these ten groups for participation in a meeting to be held June 1, 1946, in Philadelphia.” June 1, 1946, the birth date of the national organization, brought together representatives of eight of the ten groups present – Philadelphia, New York, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Columbus, Baltimore and Boston. The purpose and aims were set forth and they voted to formulate plans for a national organization, subject to the approval of their respective groups. Committees were set up – Constitution, Time and Place, and Nomination. Plans for incorporating were discussed. After a day of working – planning and discussing – the representatives were guests of the Philadelphia Chapter at a banquet where the new officers were installed – Dorothy B. Wright, President; Emilie Pickens, Vice President; Edna Seay, Secretary-Treasurer; Constance Bruce, Corresponding Secretary; Marion Stubbs, Journalist. Because of limited funds, the roster of officers was kept at a minimum to curtail traveling expenses to the national meetings. (Report from Dorothy B. Wright, Organizer and First National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to Burma Whitted, National Program Director, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 10, 1958.) Mission Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 – 19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
7 7 7 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Janelle Armstead-English Jepharya Badie Crystal Banks Angela Banks-Smith Kimbra Bell Balark Alana Bentley Monica Billinger Eleanor Cabrere Carmelita Colbert Kimberley Darey Dana Davenport Angelique David-Richmond Karla Davis Bernina Dorsey Betina Dunson-Johnson Sonja Emanuel Jennifer Enders Melissa Engram Beverly Falls Crystal Fazel Tanika Fitzgerald Sherell Fuller Sakena Gardner Jessica Garmon Dorothy Gautreaux-Sisnett Janelle Goins Wanda Grant Dorothy Guthrie T'Chana Harden Mia Hardy Stephanie Hebron Kizzie Jamison Desha Jason Karla Johnson Darnetta Jones Stephanie Larry Karyn Lee Kristal Lindsey Brittany Mandeville Kellie Martial Jenetta Mason Nakia McAdoo Tiffany McQueen-Lewis Ami Mitchell-Morrison Camille Moore Tiffany Morgan Ashley Nurhussein-Patterson Dawn Phillips Porsha Reed-Weidner Syritta Robinson Candice Rudd-Wilson Gabrielle Sagers Christa Small Melinda Stevens-Ademuyiwa Julie Stewart Jamila B Thomas Jamila N Thomas Judith Toland Linda Tyler Courtney Wade Terri Walker Lauren WestBrook-McIntosh Andrea Williams Shuntae Williams Panya Yarber-King PRESIDENT Nicole Fleming RECORDING SECRETARY Gisel Dexter 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Janene Marshall- Gatling CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Beatrice Lauture 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Makiya Woods FOUNDATION CHAIR Tiffany Gomez TREASURER Lisa Lockett PARLIAMENTARIAN Ericka Polanco Webb FINANCIAL SECRETARY Angela Morris-Jenkins TECHNOLOGY CHAIR ValerieMcCall PROGRAM DIRECTOR Nikita Wynn HISTORIAN Melinda Alberty ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR Atina Sims EDITOR Ingrid Woolfolk
8 8 8 Mia Hardy Chair Kimbra Bell Balark Co-chair Jepharya Badie Betina Dunson -Johnson Jennifer Enders Ami Morrison Dawn Phillips Jamila Nicole Thomas Linda kay Tyler Gabrielle Sagers JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER
9 9 9 The primary objective of Fox Valley Christian Action (FVCA) is to partner with the local Church in discipling people in the under-resourced communities of the Fox River Valley into a life- transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Since 1977, FVCA has served children and families living in low-income communities of the Fox Valley by providing day camps and later overnight camping experiences for children and teenagers at no cost to their families. The organization currently offers free programming for kids and teens throughout the year through their accredited summer camp and after-school programming. FVCA’s campus is located on 85 acres of woods on the Fox River in St. Charles, IL about 45 minutes west of the city of Chicago. The West Suburban Chicago Chapter (WSCC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc is pleased to help FVCA support its Teen Leadership Development Program which serves at-risk teens from middle school through high school in communities along the Fox River Valley including those in the cities of Elgin, Bartlett, Aurora, Oswego, and Montgomery to name a few. The Teen Leadership Development Program has 2 specific components: • TNT (Teen-Night-Together) Teen Leadership Development and Discipleship Programming. TNT is a weekly school year program which runs for 30 weeks during the academic school year and services, on average, 60 student participants. • Summer Teen Leadership Development Programs for Middle and High School Students. On average, 160 middle school and 25 high school students participate in these summer programs annually. Both program components are designed to help students develop the tools and skills needed to prepare for life beyond high school. Participants engage in activities that help improve their communication and public speaking skills; further develop their self-knowledge; prepare for college and career; and encourage team building. FVCA also tracks the number of students who maintain a long-term relationship with their programming. In 2024, four high school graduates had been FVCA program participants since childhood. The WSCC donation will help FVCA fund its weekend mentoring retreats, spring break college tours, and weekly programming expenses including meals, transportation, and supplies for program participants. The Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc, is the oldest African American-led nonprofit organization in the U.S. and the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The Foundation's focus is addressing issues affecting African American children and families through investing in programs that provide quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment. Its mission is to create a strong foundation for children's long-term growth. The Foundation is dedicated to transforming African American communities, one child at a time. JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Proceeds raised from the WSCC Beautillion will support the following organizations:
10 10 10 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Cocktail Reception 5:00pm P rayer / Welcome 6:15pm Dinner 6:30pm P resentation of Beaus 7:15pm Award P resentation 7:50pm Post Beautillion Celebration 8:00pm
11 11 11 DINNER MENU Salad MESCLUN GREENS GRAPE TOMATOES CUCUMBERS GOAT CHEESE DRIED CRANBERRIES AND BALSAMIC DRESSING Entrée MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN WITH OREGANTA SAUCE HERB ROASTED ROSEMARY RED POTATOES STEAMED BROCCOLINI AND RED PEPPERS VEGETARIAN OPTION VEGETABLE LASAGNA ZUCCHINI, YELLOW SQUASH, RED ONION ASSORTED ROLLS & BUTTER Dessert RASPBERRY LEMON DROP YELLOW SPONGE CAKE LAYERED WITH LEMON MOUSSE AND RASPBERRY PRESERVES, FINISHED WITH A LEMON GLAZE AND MINI WHITE CHOCOLATE CURLS Gourmet Coffee and Hot Tea
12 12 12 JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER Rufus Williams is an accomplished, results-oriented financial strategist, entrepreneur and talk-show host with a longstanding commitment to civic engagement and education. Williams is a Consultant for Loop Capital Real Estate Investment Group, focused on acquiring and developing large scale commercial and residential projects. Most recently, he was Managing Director of Loop Capital Investment Management aka LoopWealth, the personal wealth management business arm of Loop Capital, which focused on building generational wealth for ultra- high income athletes, entertainers, artists, and executives. Prior to LoopWealth, Rufus was founder, President and CEO of Olympus LLC, a boutique client representation firm primarily serving athletes and entertainers in a broad range of services including contract representation, business management and investment management. He also served as CFO for Oprah Winfrey's HARPO Inc, and was Corporate Audit Manager at Baxter Healthcare after spending 10 years at Arthur Andersen & Co. Rufus produces and hosts a live, daily, issues-oriented radio talk show "The Morning Show with Rufus Williams" on WVON 1690 AM in Chicago. He leads discussions and interviews with authors, public officials, intellectuals, and business and community leaders covering current events, local and national issues, politics, education, health, public safety, sports, and the environment. Williams also develops, produces and hosts "HIS STORY"-a series of interviews featuring men of accomplishment. HIS STORY, along other Williams interviews, airs on his daily show and the VONtv digital television network. His philanthropic involvement is almost as rich as his professional experience. Rufus served as President of Chicago's Board of Education (then the nation's third largest school system) and has been a consistent leader on boards of several of the city's top schools and civic organizations. He is a Life Trustee of Francis W. Parker School, served as Vice Chairman and Treasurer of Providence St. Mel School and was President of the Local School Council of Whitney M. Young Magnet School. Williams has a long and rich involvement with BBF Family Services, aka Better Boys Foundation, most recently serving as its President and CEO. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the City Club of Chicago. An avid reader and sports enthusiast, Rufus particularly enjoys history, basketball and golf. He is married with two children and three grandchildren. Rufus Williams
13 13 13 WEST SUBURBAN CHICAGO CHAPTER BEAU HUDSON DAVIS BEAU LOUIS GATLING BEAU NICHOLAS HARRIS BEAU FESTUS JOHNSON III BEAU TITUS PIERCE II
14 Beau DAVIS 14 HUDSON LUKE “Turn your stumbling block into a steppingstone” is what my great grandmother used to say and is my guiding principle as it attaches to the Bible verse James 1:12-14. We become our greatest selves through the beautiful struggle, and we never let a minor or major setback define our potential and limit our opportunities Beau Hudson Davis is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marcus and Aimée Davis. He is a junior at Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his high school journey, he has been involved in many extracurriculars. At Parker, he is the head of the Black Student Union, founder and head of the Historical Society, Student Government Parliamentarian, a representative for both the Social and Community Committees, and a Small Groups Leader. He plays golf and runs track. Hudson has served as the Regional Teen Treasurer of the Mid-Western Region of Jack and Jill of America Inc., a Regional Teen Programming Committee Co-Chair, and is currently the Foundation Chair for the Western Cook County Chapter. His is also involved in the Kappa League and Future Philanthropists Program. His hobbies and interests include wilderness excursions, running and/or going on long walks, kayaking, listening to music, traveling, playing logic and board games. Hudson plans to major in Business or Mathematics in college with a minor in either philosophy or Spanish, a language he speaks fluently. Thanks to God, who I can do all things, I take great pride in who I am as an academically driven, family- oriented Black young man and hope to be a role model to future generations.
15 “Beau” Tie Vincent & Pam Marshall Tuxedo JoEtta & Ragan Harris Boutonniere Sonya Anderson & Family The Dairyko Family Bob Gibson, In Loving Memory of Sharon G. Eubanks-Pope Ronald & Julie Berniard, In Loving Memory of Sharon G. Eubanks-Pope Archie & Myra Marshall Arlethia Wright Cufflink Nichole, Brett, Sophia & Juliana Bevrotte Gregory Degruy Mary Eubanks Peploe Alexis, Alex and Aurora Suárez The Mack Family BEAU Thank You Donors! 15
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26 Beau GATLING LOUIS BENJAMIN Family is my primary motivation and source of strength. As Psalm 23:4 reminds us, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me," I trust in God's presence and protection through life's challenges. Small steps of progress, even 0.01%, can add up significantly over time and represent meaningful strides forward. By focusing on steady, incremental improvement and leaning on God's guidance, I aim to make consistent progress toward my goals while staying grounded in faith and family values. Louis aspiration is to attend Howard University or Morehouse College, majoring in engineering physics. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, he plans to pursue a career as a systems engineer. Beau Louis Benjamin Gatling is the son of Lieutenant Colonel retired Charles and Colonel Janene Gatling . 26 He is a junior at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard, Illinois. Louis is a varsity golfer and is currently on the Honor Roll with a 3.5 GPA. He is actively involved in the MCHS Student Government Executive Board and is a Peer Minister on the Peer Ministry Team. Louis is involved with St. Scholastica Church Youth Group (S.T.O.R.M). He is a teen leader within this service focused ministry, feeding the homeless in Chicago, and attending mission trips directly supporting the local communities. He is involved in Jack and Jill of America West Suburban Chicago Chapter, having held the Foundation Chair position, and currently serving as the Editor. In 2024, he earned the top award for Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout Award.
27 27 Boutonniere Valerie Penn Cufflink Linda Ford Nicole Hamilton The Jones Family The Tyler Family BEAU Thank You Donors!
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