Aug. 7, 2012. Keynote speaker Janice Booth and service awards from Governor Beverly Perdue highlighted the High Country Women’s Fund annual Power of the Purse Luncheon at the Blowing Rock Country Club last month.
Each year, the Power of the Purse Luncheon raises awareness and funds for an ongoing commitment to women and children in need throughout Watauga and Avery counties. Over the past six years, the High Country Women’s Fund has raised over $375,000 dollars with the help of our members, sponsors, and generous donors.
Following a reception where guests browsed silent auction items and purchased raffle tickets and other items, Margaret Hayden, High Country Women’s Fund Chair, greeted guests, founding mothers, and distinguished sponsors. She then called Jamie and Bonnie Schaefer of Westglow Resort and Spa to the podium to receive The Governor’s Award for Community Service. Governor Perdue has been aware of the Schaefer’s involvement in the community and the generous contributions of time, talents, and resources they have made to the HCWF and to many other community projects. This service award is one of the highest awards North Carolina gives to citizens. HCWF Chair Hayden said, “They are not only involved locally, they are involved internationally and nationally in improving the lives of women.”
In addition to the generosity of Westglow Resort and Spa and the Schaefers, many local businesses supported HCWF’s annual sponsorship campaign, and they received recognition in the program booklet given to each guest, as well as on the organization’s website and in its newsletter over the next year. Guests at Croquet for a Cause, Aug. 12, at Eseeola Resort in Linville will also receive the booklet. Thanks to local businesses, friends and patrons, the program booklet raised over $21,000.
As guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, prepared by the Blowing Rock Country Club culinary team, Janice Booth, author, adventurista, world traveler, and non-profit CEO, delivered an inspirational message. Booth spoke about her personal experiences and delivered a compelling story about overcoming fears and obstacles–a message that resonates deeply with the HCWF membership and its drive to help women overcome obstacles to achieve sustainability. Booth spoke with many of the guests after lunch to connect with them on a personal level and to sign her book, Only Pack What You Can Carry, a National Geographic publication. She reflected in her blog on some of the connections she made after returning home.
This year’s Power of the Purse events raised over $43,500. The HCWF extends a sincere thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and supported the POP Luncheon and POP Rocks, a benefit concert with Melissa Reaves and the Willys.
The High Country Women’s Fund, an initiative of United Way, welcomes new members to its cause. Learn more about the organization by visiting its website www.highcountrywomensfund.org
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