About The Society, Incorporated
The Society, Incorporated is a non-profit national organization of women dedicated to enhancing, exposing, and promoting children in the arts for the betterment of our communities. We are bonded in friendship and service to have the children in our communities reach their potential of expression in the visual and performing arts.
As volunteers, we are committed to improving our communities through the action of our chapters to recognize exceptional young artists by honoring and showcasing their talent. Equally significant are programs organized by our chapters that encourage charitable contributions to benefit the artistic growth and development of our youth. In partnership with individuals, local groups, and companies that donate to our local and national efforts, we recognize supporters in collaboration with chapters for helping to prepare our youth to succeed in the arts.
Our Mission
To promote friendship and social exchange among members; to function as a resource for young people in the arts; and to promote educational, civic and cultural experiences within the community.
History of the Richmond Chapter
The Richmond, Virginia chapter of the Society, Inc., was chartered on Sunday, January 9, 1994 during a series of impressive events at the Omni Richmond Hotel. Activities included a pre-induction workshop conducted by Dr. Judine Johnson, National President that provided wonderful information for the chapter-elect. It also allowed for warm fellowship among the new members. The chartering ceremony followed the workshop.
Amidst the elegance of long-stemmed peach tea roses, peach and cream décor and attire, Society members from the Columbia, South Carolina; Montgomery, Maryland; Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. chapters participated with the Richmond group in this warm, heartfelt observance which emphasized service, friendship, and hope. At the end of the ceremony, a champagne toast was led by the Chapter organizer, Iris Dance. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon celebration where more than 50 guests congratulated the new chapter members. Charter members of the Richmond Chapter are: Christine Ballard, Dr. Lelia Foster Banks, Paula Brown, Iris Dance, Barbara Jackson-Ingram, Dr. Lerla Joseph, Betty Pinn, Dr. La Vorne Reavis, Jacquelyn Thomas and Esther White.
Over the past twenty-five years the Richmond Chapter of Society, Inc. has grown in membership maintaining a solid presence in the Richmond Metropolitan area. We have dedicated innumerable hours of time and effort to our focus “Youth in Action-Arts in Motion”. Our biennial luncheon is designed to support the youth of the area with scholarships to summer camps, trips for performances and supplies. Many students that we support, perform during the luncheon, which has become our signature event every other year. The chapter has sent delegates to every national conference since its chartering and hosted the national conference of Society, Inc. once in Richmond.
Throughout our time in Richmond, the chapter has nurtured friendships and served youth through the arts. We look forward to many more years of serving our community.
