Last week, against the backdrop of a glorious fall day in New York City,
Traditional Home gathered industry elites to toast six inspiring women and
celebrate their contributions. The luncheon is truly one of the highlights of
the design social calendar because it casts a much needed spotlight on amazing
women who are doing good and making a difference quietly and successfully in
their communities.
TV personality and journalist Deborah Norville played emcee
for the event, welcoming the group and introducing the honorees. Six women and
the charities they founded are recognized at this event. Each was introduced by
a short video and each told her inspiring story to the crowd as we wiped away
the tears.
Said Traditional Home editor in chief Ann Maine (pictured, above right with publisher Beth Brenner) about the
honorees, “They represent our readers all over the country who welcome
refugees, guide the young, comfort the elderly, advocate for the mentally ill,
and reach out around the world to make it a better place. What unites them is
this truth: You bring out the best in others when you give the best of
yourself.”
Left to right: Linda, Evelyn, Shannon, Pascha, Nancy (not pictured, Carlotta) image via Traditional Home
Linda Davidson founded Our Military Kids in 2004 to provide
much needed financial support to families of men and women deployed overseas,
and families supporting wounded warriors who have returned home.
Evelyn Castellar founded Projecto Honduras
in 2008 to provide free medical care, nutrition, basic necessities, education,
recreational facilities and social development to impoverished children in
rural Honduras.
Shannon Thompson founded Shakti Rising to give young women a
pathway to creative power and personal transformation. The organization offers
a home to women recovering from trauma and substance abuse, and a holistic
approach to healing.
Pascha Peay founded Imagine Me Ministries, a mentoring
program for middle and high school girls that provides after school,
out-of-school, and weekend activities to improve academic achievement, school
attendance and self confidence.
Nancy Chance founded the Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton
County, which connects area nonprofits, churches, food pantries and medical
clinics so no efforts are duplicated and resources reaches all who need it.
Carlotta Jacobson founded Cancer and Careers in response to
the growing number of friends navigating job uncertainty after a cancer
diagnosis. This online resource empowers and educates through events, local
support groups and an online community.
We encourage you to visit these websites, get inspired, and make a donation if you're able. Congrats to all of the honorees and to Traditional Home for celebrating them!
-JP
