A Unity Brunch Celebrates Mothers, Faith, Culture and Community
{Contributed Photos}
THOMASVILLE, N.C. — Organizer Robert M. Gilmore said the May 9, 2026, Commemoration Mother’s Day Brunch in Thomasville exceeded expectations, bringing heartfelt joy to honorary mothers and attendees from Thomasville and surrounding counties. The event also served as a scholarship fundraiser for selected students attending Thomasville Senior High School, East Davidson High School, and Lexington Senior High School.
Gilmore said the event reflected a spirit of unity, faith, and cultural celebration while honoring mothers as gifts from God.
Robert Gilmore and his team offered a free basket raffle for attendees.
The vision for the Mother’s Day celebration was recommended by Deborah L. Gilmore, a committee member of Classmate 1973 Alumni & Affiliates Inc. Led by Classmate 1973 Alumni & Affiliates Inc., the event came to life through planning, outreach, and community networking to create a meaningful program honoring mothers.
Because the event featured a large, culturally diverse audience and multiple performers, organizers sought a master of ceremonies to coordinate performances, entertainment, and activities throughout the afternoon. Gilmore said organizers prayed for someone who would embrace their vision of creating an elegant and spiritually uplifting experience for mothers from diverse backgrounds. Their goal was to create a joyful atmosphere filled with love, unity, and praise, where attendees would feel encouraged and inspired throughout the afternoon.
Those prayers, Gilmore said, were answered with the addition of Dr. Semaj Pennix, who agreed to serve as master of ceremonies for the event. After learning about the organization’s mission and vision, Dr. Pennix accepted the opportunity to help lead the program.
At Bethel Global Methodist Church, organizers met Keith Beck, who provided a tour of the church’s convention center space. Gilmore said organizers immediately felt the venue was the right fit for the event and signed a contract to host the program there.
Gilmore credited Dr. Pennix with helping guide the event through his leadership, musical background, and experience coordinating performers. He oversaw the lineup and scheduling of the program’s diverse performances, helping maintain energy and engagement throughout both acts of the event.
Dr. Pennix has more than 23 years of public-school music experience and holds degrees from Pfeiffer University and Liberty University. He also operates SOS Music LLC, where he offers music instruction, production, and recording services.
The performers’ energy and spirit kept the audience engaged throughout the afternoon, with attendees clapping along and remaining attentive during the program. Although Thomasville Mayor Raleigh York was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict, Mayor Pro Tem Doug Hunt attended on his behalf and read a letter honoring the mothers in attendance.
Gilmore said every performer delivered a powerful and spirit-filled presentation that deeply moved the audience. He also noted the strong sense of unity displayed throughout the event, as performers remained engaged and supportive of one another even when they were not on stage.
One of the most memorable moments came from 9-year-old Paris Maree Dow, who volunteered to participate in the program. Instead of reading scripture as originally planned, Paris asked if she could speak from her heart. Organizers agreed, and she delivered an emotional tribute honoring mothers in attendance, mothers unable to attend, and mothers who had passed away. Her remarks earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Pastor Reuben Wrink of Bethel Global Methodist Church served as keynote speaker for the event. Gilmore said his message brought encouragement, spiritual strength, and heartfelt words to the mothers and attendees gathered in the church. Pastor Wrink also led the blessing over the meal served during the brunch.
Pastor Reuben Wink
During the program, 11 Mother’s Day baskets were raffled, with each honored mother invited to the front to receive her basket and pose for a commemorative photo.
Act 1 performers included Dr. Semaj Pennix of Lexington; Kallie Potter, Miss Thomasville 2026 and teacher at North Davidson High School; the Gibson Sisters of High Point; Awaken Celebration Band of Thomasville; Takiri Latino Dancers of Durham; Files Chapel Choir of Lexington; Jennifer Tuttle Gentle of Winston-Salem, Queen Ms. NC Senior America 2023 and minister; and the 2nd Chance Band of Dillon, South Carolina.
The program also featured a Fashion Showcase Segment with Tommy Ray Jenkins of Thomasville, Benjamin Smith of Lexington, Tim Green of High Point, and student participants Tiana Hopkins of Lexington Senior High School and Briana Perales of Thomasville High School.
Willie Mae Rogers escorted by Thomasville High School students.
Following intermission, the selected 2026 honoree mother for the Commemoration Mother’s Day Brunch was Willie Mae Rogers. She was escorted to the stage by high school students Tiana Hopkins and Briana Perales and seated in a high-back throne chair surrounded by her daughter, Wanda Blackwell, and local queens. Special tributes included performances and presentations by Kallie Potter and Jennifer Tuttle Gentle. Robert M. Gilmore also presented the honoree with red roses during the ceremony.
Act 2 continued with additional performances from many of the same artists and groups, concluding with a closing prayer led by Jennifer Tuttle Gentle honoring God’s grace and mothers everywhere.
As the event neared its conclusion, mothers were pleasantly surprised to receive generous gift bags that included Happy Mother’s Day mugs.
Gilmore said pastors, performers, and audience members remained engaged throughout the entire program, and many attendees shared that the event exceeded their expectations. Several attendees described feeling the spirit of the Lord present throughout the celebration.
Gilmore shared that the program reflects a commitment to bringing diverse cultures together under one umbrella for fellowship and celebration. Approximately 103 people attended the event.
He said organizers hope the Mother’s Day event remains a lasting memory for those who attended and continues to inspire future community gatherings.
Donations are still being accepted through Classmate 1973 Alumni & Affiliates Inc.
Contribution Method:
Cash App: $Class73alumaffil
Money Orders Payable To:
Classmate 1973 Alumni & Affiliates Inc.
6609 Championship Drive
Whitsett, NC 27377
