By Brother Jeffery Jones
Lambda Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delray Beach, Florida (“LAA”) is a transformative group of brothers who are making a difference on the local, state, district, national, and in some foreign countries including Germany, Japan, Korea, and Panama. At present, the chapter has achieved its highest number of members at 65 who represent a cross section of professions and careers including Business and Franchise Owners, Chief of Police, Engineering, Fire Fighting and Paramedics, Law Enforcement, Legal, Medicine, Mental Health Services, National Football League, School Administrators and Teachers, and many other professions. The chapter also has the 1964 and 1984 initiates of Alpha Chapter, the Mother Pearl, in its ranks, Brothers Samuel Spear, Jr. and Jeffery Jones.
Lambda Alpha Alpha has operated in Palm Beach County, Florida since March 18, 1980, and has distinguished itself as a public service organization for the community and Sigma Delta Delta (“SDD”) Chapter has operated in Palm Beach County, Florida since December 7, 1995, and has distinguished itself as a public service organization on the campus of Florida Atlantic University and the community. LAA is the supervising graduate chapter for SDD. The brothers of LAA and SDD Chapters have dedicated countless volunteer hours and service to the community including health initiatives, mentoring programs, providing scholarships to high school seniors, street cleanup, talent hunt, thanksgiving basket giveaway, and track and field events for students.
LAA and SDD Chapters launched their Curb Appeal Project in 2020 which is designed to provide home improvement for caregivers and seniors. Brothers Jeffery Jones and Percyell Pratt wrote the initial grant and appeared before the Healthier Boynton Beach Committee to seek funding for the Curb Appeal Project. Brother Vincent Jones was selected as the first Chairman of the Curb Appeal Project, and he successful led the project from 2020-2022. Both chapters painted and landscaped ten (10) homes of caregivers and seniors under the leadership of Brother Jones.
Brothers Ricky Petty, Keyon McDavis, Sr., and Dwayne Randolph assumed leadership of the Curb Appeal Project in 2023 and successfully led the chapters to complete twelve (12) homes for caregivers and seniors from February 11, 2023 to September 23, 2023. In explaining the importance of the Curb Appeal Project, Brother Ricky Petty commented, “This project is important for several reasons: Eliminating code violations, alleviating financial hardships, and bringing resources to the community to lighten the burden on caregivers and seniors.” To date, both chapters have painted and landscaped twenty-two (22) homes for caregivers and seniors.
Brother McDavis, Sr., the lead representative for SDD, stated, “This project is important because I am serving a cause that is much bigger than myself. As an Army veteran, one our most important principle is selfless service, the ability to serve others with no intention of personal gain. With every home that we complete, we bring joy to the caregivers and seniors and strengthen our brotherhood.”
In reflecting on the experience of working with the undergraduate chapter, Brother Randolph said, “The undergraduate brothers of Sigma Delta Delta Chapter have been phenomenal to work with. SDD has been here every step of the way. And we could not have completed 12 homes without their help.” While the brothers of LAA and SDD have worked on other community service projects, this was first major endeavor that achieved such widespread success and attention throughout the county.
On November 7, 2023, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation to LAA and SDD for outstanding work on the Curb Appeal Project and service to the community in the South County area. In addition, on January 14, 2024, Commissioner Angela Burns and the City Commission of Delray Beach, FL presented LAA and SDD a Proclamation for exemplary work and service on the Curb Appeal Project, Street Clean-up of the 10th Avenue corridor for the last 20 years, and community service in Delray Beach, FL.
After all of the recognition by leaders in the community and media, LAA and SDD are back at what they do best, community service.
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