Release:

On April 17, 2021 the members of Phi Beta Sigma Inc. – Theta Sigma Sigma as well as Valdosta Masonic Lodge #19 & Sara Chapter #10 O.E.S Prince Hall Affiliated came together to hold a simple fundraiser for the Valdosta High School Track team by selling grilled chicken dinners and other items at the Valdosta High School Track meet. What makes this collaboration unique is there are dual memberships held in those organizations by some of its members and others. Ronald Skrine Sr. is a member of both Phi beta Sigma and Valdosta Lodge #19, P.H.A. and was recruited by his wife Tieka Skrine, who is a member of Sara Chapter #10 Order of Easter Stars, P.H.A. to assist the Valdosta High School Track Team by with his “Little Grill.” With the assistance of Nicholas Harden (Big Nick’s) and Gregory White (Connect It Services) who are also both members of Phi Beta Sigma and Valdosta Lodge #19, they were able to pull the fundraiser off which initially raised approximately $600.00. The members of all three organizations continued to donate to the effort and increased the donation to $1,100.00 by the next day. By Monday Chris Parrott who owns the Azalea Sprinter Train Line and is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma, wanted to support the kids and match the donation which doubled the donation amount. On Tuesday April 20, 2021 members from all three organizations presented the Valdosta High School Track Team with a check for $2,200.00 to assist with the needs of the team. Brother Ronald Skrine also wanted it to be known that it should also be noted that other members of what is known locally as the Valdosta Divine 9 supported this fundraiser as well. Unfortunately, Track and other sports do not get as much financial support as others so we wanted to do what we could. Many of us joined our organizations to serve our communities. This is just one small part of what we all do in our communities and we were happy to do it. (*Mask were worn during the presentation but briefly removed for the picture. All members present were fully vaccinated as well.)

Pictured l to r front row: Edward Wilcox (Phi Beta Sigma), Marshal Swain (Valdosta #19), Ron Bythwood (Valdosta #19/Omega Psi Phi), Collie Williams (Phi Beta Sigma), Tony Carter (Phi Beta Sigma), Ronald Skrine (Phi Beta Sigma/Valdosta #19), Coach Edward Mobley (VHS Track Team), Tieka Skrine (Sarah Chapter #10 OES,PHA),  Chris Parrott (Phi Beta Sigma/Azalea Sprinter), Demarcus Marshall (Omega Psi Phi, Valdosta #19, PHA), Drew Marshall (Genesis KOP, OMP), John Crittenden (Phi Beta Sigma)