History

 In the years leading up to 2010, the Delta Omega Chapter discussed the need for a foundation to better serve its members and the Tri-City communities of Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, and its surrounding counties.  In early 2010, under the leadership of our Basileus of Delta Omega Chapter, Bro. Ezekiel “Zeke” Dennison, Jr. along with his Vice Basileus Bro. Samuel S. Northington, Jr; discussions began on the subject of establishing a foundation to support Delta Omega Chapter, of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, specifically it charitable programs and scholarships.  After Bro. Ezekiel Dennison’s reign as the Basileus of Delta Omega Chapter concluded, the succeeding Basileus, Bro. Sam Northington, continued the initiative to establish the Delta Omega Foundation, Inc (DOFI). Bro. Northington appointed the inaugural Officers and Board of Directors.  The officers, specifically our Chairman Bro. Zeke Dennison, Secretary Bro. Jack Robinson, Jr, and our Vice Chair of the DOFI Bro. Michael T. Bass, Sr. coordinated with the State and Federal Government to approve and certify Delta Omega Foundation, Inc as a Federal and State sponsored Tax Exempt organization. In Oct 2011, the DOFI received its State and Federal approvals as a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt non-profit organization.   The Delta Omega Chapter’s success at establishing its Foundation was monumental as it now qualified for Tax-exempt financing, and exemption from income, sales, and employment taxes.  Most important, our loyal patrons could now support the Delta Omega Chapter and its programs, knowing that its contributions are tax exempt under the umbrella of the Delta Omega Foundation.

The Delta Omega Foundation held its first meeting on August 20, 2011, at 10:00 AM, at Gillfield Baptist Church, with Bro. Zeke Dennison, President, presiding. The following Brothers were in attendance:  James Clark, Sam Northington, Elisha Morris, Michael T. Bass, Sr., Joseph C. McKinney, Joseph Shaw, Jr., Jack Robinson, Remus James, Willis C. McCombs, Rossie Johnson, Michael Shackleford and Milton Brown.  The meeting was called to order, and opened with Prayer by Milton Brown. One of its first orders of business was the formal nominations/ installment of its Executive Officers, and acceptance of its Bylaws.    

DOFI Management

The DOFI is managed annually using its approved Bylaws.  The DOFI’s inaugural Executive officers and Board of Directors were accomplished and productive members of the communities they serve.  Our inaugural Chairman, Bro. Ezekiel Dennison, Jr. was a retired military officer, and served as the Director, Management Services Division, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Our Vice Chair, Bro. Michael T. Bass, Sr. was a retired military officer and Program/ Portfolio Manager for a large Government Contracting Company “Engility Corporation”.  Our Treasurer, Bro.  Joseph Shaw, Jr. was a retired military officer, later serving as a Senior Logistics Analyst (GS 13) for Department of Defense.   Our Secretary, Mr. Herman Robinson, was also a Senior GS 13 with Department of Defense.  Our Board member Dr. Mr. Michael Shackleford was a retired military officer, and the former Virginia State University Vice President of Student Affairs. Our Board Member Bro. Milton Brown, Esq. was a practicing lawyer. Our board Member Bro. Calvin Farr was a Senior Logistics Analyst with the Department of Defense.  Our board member Bro. Remus James was a High School vice Principal.  Bro. Willie McCombs was retired military, and past Area Supervisor for the 3rd District, of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  We had three Ex-Officios: Bro. Samuel Northington (Basileus), Bro. James Clark (Past District Representative) and Bro. Joseph McKinney (Past District Representative).  

DOFI Budget

The DOFI decided to operate on a fiscal year budget that runs from October to September annually.  As such, our budget is reviewed by its Board of Directors annually in April and approved for execution by July for the upcoming fiscal year.  This permits the DOFI to set the funding for it many programs prior to its fiscal operating year.  The DOFI financial accounting is audited in accordance with established State and Federal policy.  

DOFI Sources of Income

The DOFI currently has five (5) sources of income to include an Annual Car Campaign, Annual Golf Tournament, Grants, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and Personal Donations.

Delta Omega Foundation, Inc’s Inaugural Executive Officers and Board of Directors were:

Officers

Chairman - Ezekiel Dennison, Jr.

Vice Chairman – Bro. Michael T. Bass, Sr.

Secretary – Bro. Jack Robinson

Treasurer – Bro. Joseph Shaw

Board Members

Bro. Michael Shackleford

Bro. Willie McCombs

Bro. Milton Brown

Bro. Calvin Farr

Bro. Remus James

Ex-Officios

Bro. Joseph McKinney (Past District Representative) 

Bro. James Clark (Past District Representative)

Bro. Samuel Northington, Jr (Basileus, Delta Omega Chapter)