TEXARKANA, Texas - Ladies between 90 and 99 years old were honored by the Twin City Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction at its Annual Nonagenarian Celebration Saturday morning.
The nationwide nonprofit organization was founded in 1964 and the Twin City Chapter President Shelia Dukes said its main purpose is to support the Top Teens of America, which is their youth group, ages 13 to 18.
The Top Ladies of Distinction mentors youth by teaching them about finances, etiquette, and helps them build skills to be successful in life.
The chapter also teaches children to be community and service-minded as they work in conjunction with the ladies.
Dukes said it is heartfelt to be able to see how they have matriculated and it's an honor to see the positive impact the organization has had on young people.
The Top Ladies of Distinction also helps St. Jude and other worthy organizations and is currently working with the March of Dimes.
"Today we are celebrating individuals who are 90 years and older; we have been blessed to also celebrate individuals who are 100 years old, centenarians," said Dukes. "This is an event that we have held for 18 years, and it's an opportunity for us to spotlight those individuals, just to show the worth that they have committed to the community."
Donors' funding supports the Top Teens and is also used for outreach and to the March of Dimes and St. Jude.
Twin City was the second chapter of the organization to become incorporated.