The Power of the Purse Luncheon: June 9, 2008

Featuring Special Guest Speaker Nontombi Naomi Tutu

Please join us for the Fourth Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon, Monday, June 9, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville.

The luncheon is a celebration of the power of women's philanthropy in Western North Carolina. This year's featured speaker will be Nontombi Naomi Tutu (pictured right). Ms. Tutu who was born in South Africa as the third child of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. The challenges of growing up black and female during apartheid in South Africa has led Naomi Tutu to her present as an activist for human rights. In her speeches, she blends the passion for human dignity with humor and personal stories. Read more.

In addition to Ms. Tutu's remarks, Women for Women will be announcing this year's grants of approximately $280,000 to help disadvantaged women and girls in Western North Carolina.

Then comes the popular -- and lively! -- auction, which, this year, includes artwork in a variety of media -- from paintings to baskets and jewelry to pottery. The Community Foundation wishes to thank Handmade in America, which partnered with the Foundation again this year to work with local women artists who graciously created and contributed their incredible artwork. Wick and Greene Jewelers has also donated a very special auction selection, which you can learn more about by clicking here to view a short commercial about the item. Also, check the site again closer to the event to see photos and descriptions of all of the artwork that will be for sale.

Proceeds from the event will again benefit The Women's Fund. Last year, more than 500 women attended, raising $56,000 to help less fortunate women and girls in our mountains. View a slide show from last year's Power of the Purse.

Plan now to join us for this very special event and show your support for women and women's philanthropy.

Tickets are $45 per person or $100 per patron. Tables of ten are available. To register, e-mail or call Beth Semadeni at (828) 254-4960.

The Community Foundation also wishes to thank the following generous sponsors who are making the 2008 event possible:

Host Sponsor
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

Beaded Baguette Sponsors
Asheville Savings Bank
Altavista Wealth Management, Inc.

Chantilly Clutch Sponsors
Blossoms at Biltmore Park
Cakes by Jane
The Ramble Biltmore Forest
Jane Snyder
Johnson, Price & Sprinkle
Webb Investment Services
WNC Magazine

Suede Satchel Sponsors
Design One
Jeffrey D. Efird DDS
Hampton Inn of Asheville
Keen Impressions, Inc.
Barbra and Keith Love
Eleanor and Charlie Owen
Phyllis Patton
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Cherry Lentz Saenger
SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management
Tops for Shoes

Tweed Tote Sponsors
The Baggie Goose
Bank of Asheville
Bellagio
The Broker & Hamrick Law Firm
Equinection
The Jazzy Giraffe
Healther Lee
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Cary Owen
Pat Smith
Sophie Magazine
Tanner Companies, LLC
The Van Winkle Law Firm
Western North Carolina Woman Magazine