Church Women United’s 5th Anniversary Fundraiser Celebrated Excellence

Struggling Community-Based Organizations Continue to Sustain The Now to Empower The Future

The Ophelia Perry Scholarship (OPS) Committee, led by Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah and supported by Church Women United (CWU), held a successful fundraising event, Celebrating Ophelia, Celebrating Success on September 6, at The WYNS Mansion, 97 Macdonough Street, Brooklyn, NY.

The event fundraiser bequeathed a generous scholarship to a deserving student from the neighborhood, grew CWU Brooklyn’s membership, and recognized the achievements of former CWU President Ms. Ophelia Perry.

“The event was an outstanding success,” Rev. Valerie Durrah, current CWU President, told Our Time Press, adding, “It brought together members of the community for a memorable afternoon dedicated to a meaningful cause. Attendees gathered with enthusiasm and generosity and appreciated supporting Miss Lavoneia Mayers, the first graduate of OPS at Howard University, who was introduced by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, an alumnus of Howard.

Among the special guests were Attorney General Letitia James; Deputy Borough President Kimberly Council; District Leader Henry Butler; Former Congressman Edolphus Towns and his wife, Gwen Towns and more than 12 Brooklyn Judges and Justices.

The array of speakers included Rev. Pamela Ward, pastor of Grace Alive Christian Fellowship, delivering the Invocation with her church’s Praise Team, accompanied by Professor Arne Lomax, performing musical selections throughout the afternoon. CWU President Sheila Davis, Rev. Dr. Susie Elliott, Bishop Dr. Barbara Lucas, Ms. Cathy Yeiser, and Mrs. Marilyn Ramos Holley shared warm stories about Ophelia Perry and highlighted the fundraiser’s purpose, encouraging generous support. Former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz sent a message.

“The strong community support went beyond expectations,” said Rev. Durrah. The event raised substantial funds for the OPS Committee and CWU, with a special donation from Pushing Forward Real Estate Development Corporation, led by Josua Brown and Ray Addison.

Thank you to our OPS Committee—Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver Durrah (Founding Chair), Dr. Aprele Elliott, Sharman Blake, Marcia Melendez, Jacqueline Kalokoh, Lena Fernandez-Butler, Sandee Underwood, Julie Glemund, Zenner Bostic, Leslie Granberry, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees—for making this event a success. We appreciate your dedication and look forward to future collaboration.

A special thank you to Rev. Pamela Ward for videoing the event for posterity.