There’s Just Something About Women Helping Women
A few weeks ago I was invited to attend The Grace Centers of Hope 20th Anniversary Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Royal Park Hotel. The purpose of this beautiful event was to raise funds to allow the organization to continue its mission of transforming the lives of women who are addicted and hurting by providing life-saving services for them and their children.
If you would like to learn more about some of the different ways that addiction issues can be tackled, you can find plenty of helpful resources on the Enterhealth website. Combatting substance abuse is rarely easy, but it is important to remember that help is out there for people that are struggling, and no one should have to be afraid about speaking out.
The event’s signature sponsor remains anonymous. The Diamond sponsor for the event was the Moceri Family. The platinum sponsor was the Volkswagen Group of America. The Silver Sponsors were Mad Dog Technology, Emerson Wealth Management, Luxe, Bull Run Press, Emerald City Designs, Royal Oak Park Hotel. Bronze sponsors were Denise Warren and Cara Besh. Hair and Makeup were done by Luigi Bruni Salon.
Upon arriving at the event, you couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the amount of love and support for this organization chaired by Shannon Lazovski. Hundreds of auction items lined the lobby of the main ball room at the Royal Park Hotel. Gift baskets, golf passes, hot air balloon rides and more were available for attendees to bid on within the silent auction. So many fabulous gifts had been donated to help the event raise funds for the remarkable women’s programs that Grace Centers of Hope provides aimed to help empower women and children at the Grace Center’s of Hope women’s center.
Back by popular demand, morning personality on WXYZ TV-7, Ann Marie LaFlamme, served as this year’s mistress of ceremonies. A Rochester Hills native, LaFlamme is a tireless champion and advocate for women and children. She gave a touching speech regarding the impact Grace Centers for Hope has on our community and the women and children it supports. Pastor Kent W.Clark and Dr. Pam Clark then went on to share more about how their facilities were breaking women free from the obstacles and addictions they faced.
After listening to the two compelling speeches, attendees were treated to a delicious lunch and dessert. Then, this year’s fashion show event featuring clothing from Somerset Collection and two top designers from Michigan began showcasing the hottest spring fashion trends for women. Michigan designers included were Bonnie Foley, designer of Christiane LaRue, whose sophisticated couture clothing ranges from everyday casual wear to formal evening wear; Rachelle Willnus from Derby Hats by Rachelle and Katerina Bocci of Katerina Bocci Designs, an internationally awarded and recognized designer who showcased a luxury bridal collection for the show’s finale.
Also at the event, along with runway models who strutted the spring couture, were women who are currently in the program and reside at Grace Centers of Hope. They were given makeovers for the first time in their lives and modeled in the show. They walked the runway and symbolically unveiled “their new lives” during this special heartwarming, motivational and inspirational luncheon that is all about second chances.
Overall, I feel the afternoon was extraordinary. It left my heart feeling full from the love and support this organization receives from the community. The Grace Center of Hope has been giving hope to the helpless since 1942. Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, daily confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace’s $8.4 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance. If you are looking for ways to give back, please take a moment to check out the options Grace Center of Hope has available.
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