Friday, October 5, 2007

Last Kiss of Summer Gala A Huge Success!!


The Last Kiss of Summer Gala held on September 27th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown was a huge success!! The picture above is from last year's Gala event with Ludy Green (Black Suit), daughter Megan, Kathleen "Kassie" Brown (Brown Dress), and myself, Stephanie Willson (Burgundy Gown and Shawl).

The atmosphere was incredible. The silent auction was beautiful with many items that had been donated. Thank you to all our donors that helped to make the event possible: Stephanie Willson Jewelry , Borghese, Inc., Freed Photography & Videography , Green and Blue , Gregory Fine Portraits , JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes , Main Event Caterers , Marriott Wardman Park Hotel , Sassanova , The Family Groove , The SalesDoctor , The Studio Theatre , Tranquil Space Yoga , Lana Hamilton of Grace + Gumption, Washington Nationals , and many many more. Thank you, thank you for helping to break the silence!

The seated dinner was excellent! The Four Seasons started us off with salad, then salmon, and finally dessert. During that time we had speakers and introductions. A video was played with a woman silhouetted in the shadows as she spoke about her heart wrenching tale of desperately trying to survive her divorce with little resources and the humiliation of having to ask friends constantly for help. It's truly a shame that our court systems allow this sort of abuse to be perpetuated.

Another one of Second Chance's clients went on-stage and told her tearful tale, in Spanish - the only language she can speak. This woman spoke from her heart about her trials and tribulations in trying to get survive her situation and the loving help and support that she received from Second Chance in helping her with housing, food, child care, English training, and job placement. The English translation moved the room and it was difficult to hold back a tear.

Tanya Brown, internationally acclaimed domestic violence advocate, author, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson gave the keynote address. Tanya spoke from her heart and moved the room with her personal story and sharing the life of Nicole Brown Simpson. Tanya Brown gave a speech that penetrated and moved the room. It is truly a wonderful service that Tanya is doing by sharing her story as she delivers her message so powerfully in a way that many women wish they also could share. Thank you Tanya for breaking the silence!

The event had a live auction, which was made possible by many donors including German Embassy in Washington, DC and Toka Salon and Day Spa. Followed by dancing to a fantastic live band!

The event had many wonderful volunteers who made the event possible, such as Kathleen "Kassie" Brown and many other wonderful women. The incredible effort of many Second Chance staff made the event possible, such as Tawanna McCants and Judy.

Most of all, this organization would not even exist and women would never receive the services that are not found elsewhere if it were not for the incredible Founder and President of Second Chance Employment Services, Dr. Ludy Green, and her husband Joseph Green. Thank you Ludy and Joe for making it possible for all of us to break the silence together!

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