Saluting Pearlie G. Thomas: One of the Foundation’s Finest Volunteers
It’s absolutely wonderful to have committed, enthusiastic volunteers who believe in your mission and show up ready and willing to work for your cause! That’s exactly what The Delta Foundation has in Pearlie G. Thomas,
Pearlie G. Thomas,
Pearlie G. Thomas is an extraordinary volunteer who brings passionate dedication and tremendous energy in support of The Delta Foundation. Just as her name reflects, Pearlie is indeed a “pearl” for the Foundation; her spirit illuminates her surroundings her enthusiasm is infectious, and her contributions as a volunteer are valuable and precious like a gem.
Most recently, Pearlie traveled from her home in Birmingham, AL to Memphis, TN for the Southern Regional Conference of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in July 2011, with donations in hand— contributions from her chapter members—to support The Delta Foundation.
A charter member of Jefferson County (AL) Alumnae Chapter, she made it a point to collect donations at the chapter’s May 2011 meeting to contribute when she arrived at the Southern Regional Conference. Prior to arriving in Memphis, Pearlie secured $500 in donations, and she personally collected an additional $1,000 while volunteering at The Delta Foundation Booth at the conference. “I am happy to solicit donations for the Foundation because of the fine work it does and working with the staff is a true joy,” said Thomas.
Pearlie began volunteering at The Delta Foundation booth in 2008 at Delta’s 49th National Convention in Orlando. She was inspired to do so by the leadership of then Director Madeliene H. Dobbins and Foundation Board Treasurer Larry P. Suarez. “I was impressed by Madeliene, who is my cousin, and Larry, who are both dedicated to making the Foundation a top-notch operation.” Since beginning her volunteer service with The Delta Foundation, she has volunteered at each Southern Regional Conference and Delta National Convention. Through her unselfish efforts, a substantial amount of money has been donated and many new donors have contributed to The Delta Foundation.
When asked to comment on Pearlie’s volunteer service, Delta Foundation Board Treasurer Larry P. Suarez, President and CEO of Fourteen-Karat Plus, Inc., stated: “I have known Pearlie for more than 20 years and I have always been impressed with her values, energy and commitment to the causes she believes in… The Delta Foundation is truly appreciative of Pearlie’s dedication and effort on our behalf.” He added: “The Foundation’s growth will increase exponentially with the active participation of more volunteers like Pearlie. I encourage each and every member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to generously support The Delta Foundation. We need more precious gems like Pearlie in every Delta chapter.”
Throughout her 51 years as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she has held numerous leadership positions. She served as the chartering president of Jefferson County Alumnae when the chapter was established in 1994. She is a past president of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter, having served from 1989-91. Pearlie was initiated in 1961 at Alpha Chi Chapter, Tennessee State University, her alma mater, in Nashville, TN.
She retired in 2005 after working for 42 years as an educator in the Birmingham City Schools. When not performing volunteer service with her Delta chapter, she is busy collecting charitable donations in her neighborhood for several non-profit organizations (American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, the March of Dimes, and others). Pearlie is an ordained elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church and is a lifetime member of the National Education Association. She is an active member in the Alabama Education Association and the Birmingham Chapter of Retired Educators. In typical Pearlie fashion, she proudly shares: “I have been married to the same man (Haze Thomas, Jr.) for 50 years!”
The Delta Foundation proudly salutes Pearlie G. Thomas for being one of its finest volunteers!
Volunteers are needed to assist with programming and research activities of the Foundation’s Center for Research on African American Women, fund raising, administrative tasks, special event planning, and select operational tasks.
You may direct phone inquiries to Deborah Peaks Coleman, Program Officer, 202-347-1337, ext. 228 or 202-590-0724 cellular; or contact her at email address written above.
