Amplifying Voices and Raising HOPE

Record breaking attendance - Thank you for making it happen!

The 2008 Tribute Luncheon marked the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Foundation’s opportunity to share our work with stories of inspiration and HOPE. The generosity from corporations, foundations and individual patrons and our greater Memphis community has made the Luncheon a hot ticket event with nearly 1400 attendees. The Luncheon celebration not only focused on the achievements of the Foundation, it acknowledged the accomplishments of our grantee partners during a special video presentation. “It is their achievements that reflect our effectiveness as a grant-maker and advocate for social change, “stated Ruby Bright, executive director. Directed by our mission we want to raise the awareness of the need for grant-making to programs serving women and children. This year's event also sought to highlight the success of our donors’ investment in our work, recognize women's leadership and contributions and to inspire our attendees with hope for a better community.  With our final Tribute Album, we sought to honor extraordinary women in our lives as well as all women that have ever been featured in the Tribute Album.

Mary McDaniel, Vice-President of Materiel and Corporate Sourcing, FedEx Express Air operations and Shaila Karkera, Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis Board Alumna and Chair of the Indian Community Fund served as co-chairs of the luncheon. We are indebted to them for their dedication and outstanding leadership.

Our keynote speaker, Gloria Reuben, the talented singer and actress, who most notably played Jeanie Boulet on the hit television series ER spoke eloquently about her challenges, passion and the leadership role of women who help to shape her life. Abigail Burgesson, Senior Program Manager of the African Women’s Development Fund served as the mistress of ceremonies making this a truly international affair. The honesty and sincerity of both of these ladies touched those that were in attendance. The post luncheon youth symposium engaged over 150 girls and boys with an up close opportunity to hear from Reuben and Leisel ‘Q’ Quamie, an image consultant to the stars, who served as mistress of ceremonies. ‘Q’ was a special treat through her interaction with the students representing Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, and private and parochial schools.

Each year, the Women’s Foundation commissions an artist to paint a portrait specific to the theme of the annual luncheon. This year’s luncheon theme was ‘Celebrating Women, Amplifying Voices, and Raising Hope. Based on that, local artist, Jimpsie Ayres created a breathtaking portrait entitled ‘Hallelujah’. Prints are $125 and are available for sale. Please call the office at 901-578-9346.

We are appreciative beyond words for all of our supporters; your investment helps to ensure the continuation of making a positive change in Memphis. Your support along with the $50,000 Hyde Challenge from the Hyde Family Foundations assures that we will achieve our annual fundraising goal. Our success is because of you! YOU MADE IT HAPPEN!

Memphis H.O.P.E. - Health * Opportunity * Pride * Empowerment
A Vision of Change for Dixie Homes and University Place Residents

With a little help - and lots of HOPE - the future can look most bright. Such is the attitude that the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis, The Memphis Housing Authority, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare and others are bringing to the revitalization of Dixie Homes and University Place.

The approach taken by Memphis HOPE has never before been tried. Indeed, we are in uncharted waters. Under Memphis HOPE, the "revitalization" of dilapidated housing projects no longer means a repair here and there, or a new coat of paint. It means transforming lives. The hoped-for result is one the Women's Foundation seeks on a daily basis: lasting systemic and social change.

Through focused assistance, we are helping the former residents develop a life plan so that they can live their best lives, and give their children that chance as well. Using new models and mentoring, we are tracking their successes. As a result, the women themselves can see the success. The community as a whole, too, can see the change we all have helped to achieve through a little help and lots of hope.

We hope you will join us as we undertake this journey of social transformation and building the lives of women.

For an overview of the HOPE project, including the history, milestones and future plans, click here>>

To see pictures from Memphis HOPE initiatives, take a look at our photo gallery>> 

Memphis HOPE participants answer the question, "What does HOPE mean to me?" >>