On Tuesday, February 24, in Salem, Oregon more than 700 women gathered for the “Women Helping Women” luncheon, to support and give to the Salem YWCA. This organization is remarkable. Under the leadership of Carol Green, this local chapter has made remarkable progress in the community. Not only do they demonstrate collaboration and community in the way they do business, they have been key in transforming a portion of Salem that was previously one of the “worst” areas in town. They have built a new building (and were successful in generating the support needed to make this happen), they have provided needed services to women who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges–from teen pregnancy to living with breast cancer–and they continue to provide services that help women and their families achieve a life they never thought was possible. Through showcasing four remarkable stories we were all moved to tears and opened our checkbooks.
This luncheon is a demonstration of branding at its best. The total experience of a tight, focused one-hour lunch, the stories that were shared and the frank ask for money were all designed to have all of us realize the need for the YWCA in our community. It was also an example of social media in its “old school” way … rubbing shoulders with professional women, community leaders and homemakers in the Salem area, all for the sake of one, unifying cause.
It’s an event I look forward to every year. And it’s an event that is truly inspirational for me as a woman, for the community I’m part of, and as a marketer whose desire is to connect with and move people for a purpose. Thank you to the excellent team at the Y who puts on this event, and to Carol Green, the executive director who is retiring this year.
Advance to Prosper 