Gala for Local Big Brothers Big Sisters and The Links, Inc. Raises $100,000

Amid a backdrop of great jazz music, swing dancing and fun under the artistic direction of T. Mychael Rambo, organizers raised more than $60,000 to benefit the Greater Twin Cities Big Brothers Big Sisters (http://www.bbbs.org) and $40,000 to benefit The Minneapolis-Saint Paul Chapter of Links, Incorporated's Scholarship and Community Programs (http://www.centralarealinks.com).

"It was a smashing success and an evening to remember. People had fun and truly gave with their hearts to improve the lives ofTwin Cities children," said Gala Co-Chair Kimberly Price. The event was sponsored by UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Medtronic, Pohlad Foundation, SuperValu, Kellogg Foundation, Imation and Target.

The centerpiece of the evening was a tribute to the altruistic legacies of Dr. Reed Tuckson, his wife Mrs. Margie Malone Tuckson and Ms. Shirley J. Hughes. In appreciation, the Tucksons and Ms. Hughes received original pieces of artwork from artist Tacoumba Aiken. "We are grateful for their selfless leadership, volunteerism and generosity. They have made an indelible, positive impact onMinnesota and the nation's African-American community," said Gala Co-Chair Sharon G. Ryan.

-- Dr. Reed Tuckson is Executive Vice President and Chief of Medical Affairs at UnitedHealth Group. In addition to his significant community involvement, he was recently named one of Modern Healthcare's "Top 25 Minority Executives" in Healthcare for 2008 and to Ebony magazine's "2008 Power 150: The Most Influential Blacks in America" list.

-- Mrs. Margie Malone Tuckson is an active philanthropist and community volunteer. She was chair of the 2008 Greater Twin Cities Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala and currently serves on the organization's board of directors. Mrs. Tuckson has volunteered with Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, Augsburg College's Minority Healthcare Forum and Penumbra Theatre's Jazz Jam.

-- Ms. Shirley J. Hughes was previously senior vice president, human resources at Ceridian Corporation. Now retired, Ms. Hughes is active on several boards of directors including BlueCross and BlueShield ofMinnesota, Second Harvest Heartland, Big Brothers Big Sisters of theGreater Twin Cities, Achieve, Risen Christ Catholic School, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and John C. Smith University.

Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated (http://www.linksinc.org) is an international non-profit headquartered inWashington DC. With 12,000 professional women of color members in 270 chapters in 42 states, The Links, Inc. is one of America's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African-Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

SOURCE The Links, Inc.