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On Thursday, June 5th, 2008, the members of the Appalachian Women’s Fund, with the help of many women from the community, hosted their first fundraiser which will enable the Fund to give grants to local non-profit organizations capable of changing the lives of women and girls in our mountain region. Karyn Herterich and Sandra Mallonee of Blowing Rock were the Chairpersons of this event. Two hundred women gathered to watch the movie, “Homeless to Harvard”, and there was not a dry eye in the theater! It is the story of Liz Murray who came from a family ridden with drugs and HIV. Liz became homeless, ate from garbage cans and lived in the New York subways. With determination and the help from a caring mentor she was able to finish her four year high school requirements in two years. She was then awarded a scholarship from the New York Times for four years at Harvard. She has 2 more courses to complete there and will have a degree in psychology from Harvard!
There were so many helpers in this event-- but one person stands out as an example to young people everywhere. Michael Vollmer, who just graduated from Watauga High School, volunteered to take all of the photographs. His photography talents are only exceeded by his generous heart. He refused to accept payment for he said “Please give it to a woman who needs it more than I do”. There is a unique story about one of the guests at the luncheon. Jamie Reinsch teaches at York Tech in Rock Hill, S.C. When she found out Liz Murray was going to be here in Blowing Rock, she bought a ticket and came all that way to see her. Jamie teaches people who have lost their jobs and must start a new life. She shows Liz’s movie, and uses Liz as an example of how to overcome hardship and anger-- then move forward. She was thrilled to meet Liz, and will carry the story that Liz presented back to her people. It has encouraged her to start a program in Rock Hill, S.C. to help women. How far reaching the Appalachian Women’s Fund’s mission is!! Appalachian Women’s Fund has a copy of the movie and will be glad to loan this to any teacher who wants to encourage their students to succeed—then, as Liz has done, to “pay it forward” by offering a hand to others in need. If you missed the movie you can see it at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on June 17 at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 and for anyone under 21 years of age it is FREE. This is made possible by a generous grant from AF Banking, Insurance and Investments.
Liz loves Blowing Rock and plans to return here to enjoy our beautiful mountains for a vacation, and to be part of a service project to help women. It will be hosted by the Appalachian Women’s Fund. We are all so blessed to know her. By becoming a member of the Appalachian Women’s Fund you can carry on her message. Please see the website http://www.appalachianwomensfund.org for information about how you can be part of this far reaching movement. Open up your hearts and checkbooks and give Appalachian Women’s Fund the resources to change the lives of women and girls in the mountains of North Carolina. Reproduced from the June 12, 2008 Blowing Rocket article written by Leslie Shavell with photos by Michael Vollmer and Lynn Lawrence.
6.12. 2008 Quiet Corner Column by Betty Pitts; Blowing Rocket Newspaper 6.12. 2008 Letter to the Editor from Lynn Lawrence; Blowing Rocket Newspaper 6.12.2008 Women of Vision Event Raises Funds, Awareness by Caroline Monday; Moutain Times Newspaper |
APPALACHIAN WOMEN’S FUND PRESENTS
2008 WOMEN OF VISION AWARD TO LIZ MURRAY
The President of the Appalachian Women’s Fund, Nancy Ashline, introduced Liz. As Liz walked onto the stage there was a hush----then thunderous applause and a standing ovation. That true Woman of Vision standing before the audience was poised, eloquent, warm and sincere. Mayor J.B. Lawrence of Blowing Rock and his wife Lynn were the official escorts for Liz. After being with Liz for those two days Lynn said about her: “I think Liz was put on this earth for a reason: to do exactly what she is doing. She found one special person that lent her a helping hand up. If we all took that attitude and lent another a helping hand what a world we would have. I feel that is just what the Appalachian Women’s Fund is accomplishing”.
Liz’s goal is to “pay it forward”. She is helping so many people find a purpose in their lives and I believe she has changed the lives of so many of us. The live auction was a rousing success and Liz Murray even joined in to encourage people to bid on items. 100% of that money, as well as ticket sales, will go to local women who need that helping hand. 
The members of the Appalachian Women’s Fund want to thank all the women and “enlightened men” in our community who supported them in this inaugural fund raiser. Your efforts and contributions will reach the lives of so many women and girls in our area. 
June 5, 2008 WOV Luncheon Photo Album