This season I was inspired to clean my closet. Before I go into a cleaning frenzy I must share this because grand deeds are more inspirational than Spring colors. On February 21, 2006 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel I was fortunate enough to attended Curvation Project’s Confidence Awards luncheon hosted by the Queen, Queen Latifah.
Queen Latifah and Vanity Fair joined forces to honor the first National Grand Prize winners at the Curvation Project Confidence Awards. They awarded some much-deserved money and honored the courage and contribution of five women. From 350 nominations, the finalists stories were ripped from the headlines and evening news reports, each embodied what could happen to anyone. But these women all forged their own paths and refused to stay down. Vanity Fair, Curvations and Queen Latifah celebrated their triumph.
Yvonne Pointer of Ohio shared the heartbreaking tale of her daughter Gloria’s still unsolved rape and murder on her way home from junior high school. Yvonne turned this unspeakable pain into passionate action and is now a writer and speaker committed to ending violence against children. She was awarded the $10,000 Grand Prize.
The four honorees have equally compelling stories of struggle and triumph. Each received $2000 from Curvation and Vanity Fair Intimates and $1000 from Wal-Mart.
Kristin Bradfield of Arizona started GIFT (Growth Improvement for Female Teens) that bridges troubles into positive self-esteem.
Lorraine Bowman of Alabama, the first African American woman in her town to own a business, created Girl Talk for girls ages 9-17 to empower girls with leadership skills.
Mattie Palmore, as a Magistrate for the Commonwealth of VA, puts bad guys in jail by day and works for battered and depressed women by night. She works with the Good Shepherd housing organization helping the homeless and giving women a second chance.
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As we all wiped tears from our eyes we were reminded that one soul can break the cycle of crimes against women. Queen Latifah, who is always a lady first, not only lunched with the winners but also reached into her own pocket and gave additional money to each one for their worthy causes. On that day the only models in the room were role models. True inspiration comes from the front line soldiers doing grass roots work in grand style. If you would like to nominate a worthy soul for the 2007 Curvation Awards, you’ll find details at www.curvation.com.
Now, before you start making over your closet, make over your spirit and get involved by helping. Here are a few notable groups that help women: the YWCA/USA, Dress for Success, Step-Up Women’s Network, Susan G.Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Please get in touch and get involved! Until next time stay stylish and stay concerned. |
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