An afternoon of elegance and purpose-driven impact marked the annual Swing into Spring fundraising event that the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, hosted on Sunday, May 4, at The Marigold in Somerset, New Jersey.
According to Cara L. Walker, president of the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated (RVC), “This signature fundraiser supports the chapter’s scholarship fund, which has awarded over $200,000 to approximately 270 students,” over the years.
While acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the fundraising chair, event chair, and planning committee, Walker said, “Each year, Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter members contribute more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service throughout Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties in New Jersey.”
(From Left to Right) Raritan Valley (NJ) Link Carol Council; Link Dr. Stacie NC Grant, of the Greater Queens (NY) Chapter, is also the International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; and Dr. Tiffiny Butler, vice president of the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Inc. Credit: Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Inc. 
Cara L. Walker, President of the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Credit: Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Inc. 
Left to right – Representing the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Inc. is Candice M. Alfonso, Esq., Chief Diversity Officer and Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for the State of New Jersey is pictured with NJ Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, who is also a Link from the Passaic County – NJ – Chapter of The Links, Inc. Credit: All Star Photography 1
Toya Beasley, a legendary radio and on-air personality, served as event chair. The event was emceed by renowned radio personality Lenny Green, from The Quiet Storm on WBLS-FM.
RVC was chartered on April 26, 1986, as the 213th chapter of The Links, Incorporated. In 2026, during the next annual Swing into Spring event, the chapter will celebrate its 40th anniversary in recognition of four decades of friendship, service, and impact in the communities they serve.
Walker said, her chapter is already looking ahead to their annual Tycene P. Edd Golf Outing, which will be held on Monday, September 29, at the Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, NJ. Walker added, proceeds from both events will support scholarships and community service programs. For more information, contact the chapter at rvc.nj.links@gmail.com.