POWER OF THE PURSE

A better place

Women’s Foundation lauds philanthropists for their work

It was a room full of powerful women who gathered for Power of the Purse on Oct. 3. The luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center was a fundraiser for the Women's Foundation of Arkansas.

The women, leaders in local businesses, industry and philanthropy, were also there to honor Woman of the Year in Philanthropy recipient Catherine Hughes and the Little Rock chapter of The Links for its philanthropy.

When accepting her award, Hughes said she was thrilled to see so many young women at the event, telling them, "You don't have to have a lot of money to give a little away," and "We can all be philanthropists."

Gloria Love, Links chapter president, accepted the award on behalf of the organization, saying, "We will continue to make this a better place to live."

The luncheon's keynote speaker was Sharon Orlopp, global chief diversity officer and senior vice president with Wal-Mart. She spoke about the importance of educating women in breaking the cycle of poverty and Wal-Mart's program Empowering Women Together, which helps women-owned businesses. Also speaking were Russell Hampton with Accion Arkansas, which received a grant from the foundation last year, and Lynnette Watts, the foundation's executive director. Mallory Brooks was emcee.

Nicky Hamilton and Molly McGowan served as event co-chairmen.

-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins

High Profile on 10/12/2014

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