Fairfield County”™s Community Foundation”™s Fund for Women and Girls hosted friends and supporters at its 18th annual luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich. The theme of the luncheon, “Nurturing Seeds of Opportunity,” was reflected throughout the event, which featured two students from the fund”™s Family Economic Security Program at Housatonic Community College and keynote speaker Andrea Jung, president and CEO of Grameen America.
More than $100,000 was raised with the net proceeds supporting the Family Economic Security Program, which ensures that 400 low-income students, over a four-year period, persist, graduate and move into family-sustaining employment.
Student Maria Bedoya spoke about the impact FESP has had on her life and her future. “Because of you, FESP is more than just a check in the mail. It nurtures us and helps us with our life choices. FESP has given me the encouragement and strength to reach my goals and to strive for more than just making ends meet,” she said.
Jung noted that women are engines of economic growth. “It is my hope that attendees leave this luncheon with the urgency and drive to continue supporting the Fund for Women and Girls by acting locally to help bridge inequalities in our own backyard.”
“When you nurture a woman, you are planting seeds empowering her to care for her family, give back to her community and benefit society. The theme of this year”™s luncheon ”˜Nurturing Seeds of Opportunity”™ is perfect. It not only sums up what the Fund for Women & Girls is all about. It also captures what our supporters are all about and what you believe in,” said Juanita James, the foundation”™s CEO and president.
