By Kayla Bell
The first annual India Alexus McLaurin Scholarship Foundation Gala is set to take place on September 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM, at The Ballroom at Whimsical, located at 314 S Poplar St, Elizabethtown, NC. This special event, organized to honor the memory of India Alexus McLaurin, promises to be a touching and memorable evening, reflecting the spirit and aspirations of a young woman who left us far too soon.
Rodney Maurice Williams, a central figure in the organization of the gala, speaks with profound emotion about his connection to India. “She was like my daughter. I was there when she was born, so I was more like a father figure, and she called me ‘Poppy,'” he shares. This deep bond has fueled his determination to ensure that India’s legacy continues to inspire and support others.
India, who was in nursing school at Piedmont in Charlotte, was set to graduate in December. Tragically, on August 26, she suddenly collapsed and passed away due to a blood clot in her lungs. She was only 26 years old and would have turned 27 on September 15. Rodney reflects on her ambitions and the dreams that were abruptly halted. “She was just so special to me because she was like my own child. All she wanted was to walk across the stage and become a nurse, something she had been dreaming of.”
The gala, which is semi-formal attire and has tickets priced at $50 per person, aims to raise funds to support the India Alexus McLaurin Nursing Scholarship Foundation. Attendees can look forward to an evening filled with a meal, music, a silent auction, and several speakers who will share memories and stories of India. Rodney mentions the possibility of a slideshow, featuring pictures from her birth to her adult years, capturing her journey and the love she brought to those around her.
Rodney’s efforts to honor India have already seen various initiatives, including distributing gift bags to nursing students on her birthday and providing goodie bags on other occasions. These acts of kindness are part of his broader mission to support aspiring nurses, just as India aspired to be.
The community in Elizabethtown has shown great support for the event, and Rodney is actively seeking additional help. “We’ll take monetary donations, and I’m going to different businesses asking for door prizes. Volunteers are welcome to help with setting up on the day of the event,” he explains.
All proceeds from the gala will go towards scholarships at Bladen Community College (BCC) and Piedmont, where India was set to graduate. By doing so, Rodney hopes to keep her name alive and continue her legacy in the nursing field.
The First Annual India Alexus McLaurin Scholarship Foundation Gala is more than just an event; it is a celebration of a life filled with dreams and aspirations, cut short but never forgotten. Rodney’s dedication to honoring India’s memory through this scholarship foundation ensures that her spirit will continue to inspire future generations of nurses.
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