Founder
6th Annual Elders and Community Tea & NDOWE Scholarship Announcement
Honoring our Elders and Announcing NDOWE Scholarship Recipients.
The Event
March 20, 2027
The 6th Annual Elders and Community Tea and NDOWE Scholarship Announcement will be held at The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Reception Room, in Springfield, Illinois.
Date
March 20, 2027
Location
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Reception Room — Springfield, Illinois
Apply to NDOWE
Submit all application materials to:
clarissawilliams@brownsugarandlace.com
Deadline: March 7, 2027
Teas by Year
Invitations & Themes
Each year the Tea carries a theme drawn from the lives of the elders we honor. Select an invitation to view it in full.
March 20, 2022
First Inaugural Elder's Tea
The theme is “A Celebration of My Faith Village” – Capital City Church of God, Springfield, Illinois.
March 19, 2023
Second Annual Elder's Tea
“Looking Back To Grow Forward”
Honoring Senator Emeritus Roland W. Burris and other Illinois activists, artists and everyday heroes — Erin’s Pavillion.
March 24, 2024
3rd Annual Elder's Tea & NDOWE Scholarship Announcements
“Tell It to Generations Following”
A Celebration of Health; Harmony of the Body, Mind & Spirit — honoring Elders in Ministry & Medicine at Fire Fighters Postal Lake Club.
March 16, 2025
Fourth Annual Elder's Tea & NDOWE Scholarship Announcement
“Building Community Through Education and Social Work”
Erin’s Pavilion, 4965 South 2nd Street, Springfield, Illinois.
March 22, 2026
5th Annual Elder's Tea and Scholarship Announcement
“Sustaining A Thriving Community through Education & Activism”
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Lincoln Reception Room, 212 North 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois.
Moments
From past Teas
Photographs and awards from Teas past, shared by our community.
2021
First Annual Elder's Tea
Clarence Williams – brother, Angela Meyers- Cousin
2021
Inaugural Elder's Tea — Three Generations
Dr. Clarissa Williams – founder, Nellona D. Williams – mother and NDOWE namesake, Sylvia Penny-sister
2021
Inaugural Elder's Tea — The Memorial Table
The Memorial Table set in remembrance of elders who have passed.
2023
Second Annual Elder's Tea — Kevin and Eileen Gleghorn accepting on behalf of their 101-year-old mother
2024
3rd Annual Elder's Tea — Senator Emeritus Roland W. Burris accepting his award
2024
3rd Annual Elder's Tea — Roland and Berlean Burris at the Memorial Table
2024
3rd Annual Elder's Tea — The Memorial Table
Photographs and keepsakes honoring elders remembered.
2024
3rd Annual Elder's Tea — Offutt cousins accepting an award in memory of their father and uncle, Reverend Clifford Offutt
2025
Fourth Annual Elder's Tea Award — Bob and Patricia Davis
In grateful appreciation for your voices and the light you have been in the Springfield community.
Our Namesake
Nellona Diane Offutt Williams
The namesake of the NDOWE Scholarship.
Ways to Support
Cash App: $ENDOWER
Annual $1,000 Scholarships
Ongoing Documentation of Elder Stories
The Annual Tea Event
NDOWE
Nellona Diane Offutt-Williams Education Scholarship
Scholarship Application 2026–2027. Submit all application materials to
clarissawilliams@brownsugarandlace.com
Deadline: March 7, 2027.
What the Application Includes
- Applicant information — full name, date, address, phone, email, age, year in school
- College / University — name and address
- Requirements — GPA verification, proof of matriculation, essay
Donate: Cash App $ENDOWER
Answers
Scholarship FAQ
The 6th Annual Elders and Community Tea and NDOWE Scholarship Announcement takes place March 20, 2027 at The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Reception Room, in Springfield, Illinois
A 3.0 GPA, proof of matriculation (a class schedule without SSN or a letter of continuance for the current academic year), and a 500-word essay on “How You Intend to Impact the Industry You Will Enter upon graduation.”
Submit all application materials to clarissawilliams@brownsugarandlace.com by March 7, 2027.
NDOWE awards annual $1,000 scholarships.
Donations may be made through Cash App: $ENDOWER. Your support funds the annual $1,000 scholarships, ongoing documentation of elder stories, and the Annual Tea event.