The Women of Essence Organization

It's amazing what a few women can do when they put their generous minds, caring spirits and strong friendships together to benefit others. Arkansas chapter of the Women of Essence have a history of serving those in need.

Chicago Women of Essence (CWE) inception was in 1993. The group originally began as the Goldenaires, a travel club, of ten women. In 1995, the group changed the vision of the club and also changed their name. As the women got to know one another, they discovered they were blessed with supportive families, health and strength and good friends. So, rather than self-fulfillment, the group changed their focus to giving back to the community. Seeing others less fortunate than themselves, they were convinced that they could make a difference. From there they set forth with the premise that they should follow God's law: It is better to give than to receive.

The Women of Essence began donating food baskets to the needy on Thanksgiving and Christmas and donating their time, food and finances to those in crisis. Five years ago they began a formal fundraising event donating to Baptist Home for Abused Women and Children, Horizon Hospice and Bethel Daycare Services for seniors. Even though the formal fundraising event takes place annually, they continue to give their support to needy families on Thanksgiving and Christmas. They also give during the year to families in need.

Currently, CWE consists of six members. The members are Debra Johnson, Bobbie Norwood, Ruby Owens, Vicki Reed, Gladys Williams and Hester Woodfolk.

Arkansas Women of Essence (AWE) was formed in June of 2002. AWE is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the State of Arkansas through charitable events. The Arkansas Women of Essence believe that it is better to give than to receive, and pledge their hearts to helping the needy citizens of Arkansas.

One of its members, Valerie Dewese, having participated in the events put on by Chicago Women of Essence, felt there were individuals and organizations in Arkansas that could benefit from such an effort. She set out to form a group that would dedicate themselves to the works and vision already established by the CWE. The group now consists of 11 women who have dedicated themselves to reaching out in the community and pledging their time, energy and hearts to helping those in need.They hope to make a difference one project at a time.

The Women of Essence 2008 fundraising event will be held this year on November 15, at Sherwood Forest, 1111 Maryland Avenue in Sherwood. The event will take place from 6 - 10:30.

This year's theme will be a Scholarship Extravaganza: Building Economic Wealth through Education benefiting Arkansas Baptist College, Henderson State, Philander Smith College and UAPB. For those who have not attended in the past, the event will boast a full dinner of pork loin, brisket, fried chicken, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, salad, dinner rolls and a variety of desserts. Blue Bell ice cream, coke products, tea and bottled water will be served, and for those who partake in spirits, there will be beer, wine, margaritas, wine cooler sand mixed drinks.

The smooth sounds of William Stagger's Band will provide the ideal background in which to party to, and a huge silent auction- which the Women of Essence agree will encourage you to snag some early Christmas items from- will all be included under the $25 ticket price. Reserved table of eight are available for $250.00.

This year's guest speaker will be Dr. Charity Smith, and the honoree for this fantastic event is Dr. Fitzgerald "Fitz" Hill. Additionally, a drawing for a $50.00 Walmart gas card, $50.00 gift certificate to Footlocker and a $50.00 gift certificate that can be redeemed at Chili's, On the Border or Macaroni Grill will be up for grabs.

Meet the Women of Essence and the Friends of Arkansas Women of Essence on their website at http://www.arkansaswomenofessence.org.

Call Nakia at 501- 590-2488 for tickets or for more information about the event.