On Sunday Edna B. and Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. will present its ninth annual fundraiser, “Hats and Gloves With Tea On The Mississippi.”

The theme, “Make A Joyful Noise,” will feature great local talent Tema Larry, an outstanding vocalist, and profound organist, Charles Powell.

Guests will enjoy a tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The tea will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Natchez Grand Hotel. Admission is $25 per person.

Larry is certified in music education, social studies, and guidance and counseling in the state of Mississippi. She has also toured annually to Europe with Alabama Gospel Choir. She currently leads a youth community choir, “Chosen,” under D&J Youth Group.

We are excited to share that Larry is perfecting her debut CD and is a graduate of Alcorn State University. She also earned a master’s degree in theology from the Bible Institute of Texas.

Powell graduated from Paul Quinn College in 1971. In that same year he joined the Baylor University Concert Choir for a tour of Europe and the Middle East Culminating with a Christmas Eve Concert in Bethlehem.

Powell worked in the Houston Independent School District for 37 years. As a vocalist, he has performed with the Houston Grand Opera Association and the Houston Symphony Chorale. He has appeared in recital with numerous artists; most notably Soprano Marquita Lister and violinist Marquita Cross. Currently, Charles is the organist at Zion Chapel AME Church.

During the tea, there will be an exciting silent auction. Local artisans have been very generous and have contributed a wide range of items. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to contribute to this most worthwhile effort. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the tea will remain in the Miss-Lou and will be used to provide free mammograms to medically underserved or medically underinsured women.

As a 29-year breast cancer survivor, I understand the importance of early detection. In support of this premise, Washington Breast Cancer Foundation focuses on educating women about the importance of scheduling mammograms on an annual basis, unless otherwise recommended by medical personnel, is paramount. 

The Foundation also provides supportive services to breast cancer survivors in New Orleans through Sister In Touch Support Group. The group, with an average attendance of 16 survivors, meets each moth and has done so for the past 24 years.

Joyce Fay Washington Ivery is founder and CEO of Edna B. and Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.