P.G.I. has been around for many years, known as Party Girls Inc. in the Frankford area and was most active in the 1990’s. They have always projected a positive vibe at all their functions and events.
There are about a dozen members now and the group is accepting new applications for membership. The mission of the club is to give back to the community by helping to support charities and children’s functions that positively affect the area., as well as holding social functions and gatherings. There are monthly meetings, membership dues, lottery club, and birthday club.
They love working with children and ran their own drill team for many years, the P.G.I. Blazing Hot Steppers. The kids trained at weekly drill team practice at Gambrel Recreation center. The team was made up of over 40 students and it received a state grant for assistance. They did well, with help from family, coaches and group members and, before long, they were performing at block parties, parades and competitions and were selected to perform at gate six during a Phillies game.
P.G.I. Blazin Hot Steppers
Some of these kids have grown up to become members of the P.G.I. Social Club. These initials P.G I. now stand for Proud Gorgeous and Independent Ladies, which is a nonprofit organization in the Frankford community. It is entirely self-funded with monthly membership dues. This club is organized and run by President, Sonya Patterson and Vice President, Darlene Coles.
In 2017, a cancer drive was held in honor of P.G.I. President’s Sonya Patterson’s mother Sandy Scott and other families who have experienced this struggle with cancer.
On October 28th American Legion Post 244 on Orthodox Street, provided great support by offering their side yard next to the Post to hold the 1st Cancer drive fundraiser. There were two baskets of cleaning supplies to raffle off (tickets were $2 each. Baskets were donated and made by Judy Dones, a P.G.I. member. There was music, food, and drinks free for all supporters and a little over $200 was raised at that event.
Two months later, P.G.I. held their main event, the Cancer Drive Drawing to raise money for Fox Chase Cancer center. It was held at the club house on Foulkrod Street on January 7th. 4 prizes, all funded by P.G.I. were awarded. They raised an additional $300 at this event.
1st Prize – 40-inch TV went to Ed Gerber of PA Auto Outlet on Frankford Ave
2nd Prize – Basket of Joy – Lynwood Budd
3rd Prize – Dinner for 2 at the Longhorn Steak House – Prince Dixon
4th Prize – Movie tickets for two – Janice Wise Diggs of Washington, DC
From President Sonya Patterson: We would like to thank all PGI members in their efforts to participate and work hard for our Drawing. Special thanks to P.G.I. members. Mr. Kelly Patterson our club house Manager, Richard Lovett our club house DJ, Aquilla Patterson our Dance coordinator, Tytiona Booker our Secretary, Dana Maples our Event Coordinator, Angie Burton our Club House Coordinator, Connie Mathews our Lottery Club organizer, Gloria Pearson Clubhouse Coordinator’s Assistant, Bi Bi Arroyo our Safe keeper of Joy, and Betty Boo Birthday club organizer.
We would also like to thank everyone who participated In Washington DC, (Keon Diggs), and North Philly (Albert Diggs) and our own Frankford community. We would like to give a warm congrats to all our winners.
Donations are still being accepted until March 31st. Proceeds will go to Fox Chase Cancer Center, through the American Cancer Society.
For donations or information about membership: contact the club by Email: PGILADIES@GMAIL.COM or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pgi.pgi.904 for an invite.
Please be a part of our Legacy.
