Ebonites Civic & Social Club celebrates founding

The Ebonites Civic and Social Club of Rayne, Inc., celebrated its 40th Founders Day Anniversary Banquet on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Chef Roy’s Frog City Café.

The evening’s invocation was delivered by Deacon Nolton Senegal, followed by the official welcome.

The club’s purpose and introduction of founders was emceed by Christine Freeman. Introduced was Evelyn Julian, co-founder, in addition to special guest Alanna Plummer, the reigning Ebonite Queen. Not in attendance was co-founder Linda Brumfield.

Prior to the meal, a dance was provided by the Cunningham CME Praise Team.

Chairperson Ursula Hawkins called the roll of members and officers, who welcomed the guest speaker, Connie Price Fontenot.

The Ebonite Civic and Social Club of Rayne, Inc., was founded in March of 1973 by Linda Brumfield and Evelyn Julian. The original name of the club was “Ebonites.” In January of 1974 the name was changed to “The Ebonites Civic and Social Club of Rayne.” Finally, on October 7, 1977, the club was incorporated.

The initial pupose of the club was to socialize with other ladies in the community. In April of 1973, the purpose of the club was changed from social club to civic and social club with goals set to establish civic and social progressiveness and assure harmony among club members and within the community.

Projects and programs sponsored by the club includes: provide Thanksgiving and Christimas Baskets to the needy of the community; assist families when fire strikes; provide scholarships and book stipends to graduating high school students for academic accomplishments; assist with the annual Toys for Tots Program; contribute and assist other organizations with civic endeavors; and sponsor a debutante ball each year in May for high school junior and senior young ladies.

Members of the present-day list include Jacqueline Wiltz, Gwendolyn Brumfield, Iownia S. Francis, Christine Freeman, Linda Brumfield, Allyson Brunfield, Stephanie Breaux, Jane Lois Harmon, Evelyn W. Julian, Deanna Begnaud, Edra Broussard, Joan F. Brown, Kathleen Cook, Brittany D. Guidry, Roxyanne Guillory, Ella Mae Handy, Ursula Hawkins, Elaine Sias, Latanya Senegal, Anna D. Washington and Theresa B. Wilson.

Special thanks are extended to Laday’s Flower Shop for their assistance.