Cayman: FRC’s International Women’s Day Brunch Fundraiser a Success

CAYMAN ISLANDS (GIS)– The Family Resource Centre (FRC) marked International Women’s Day at the Kimpton Seafire Resort Hotel on Sunday (8 March).

The
brunch for a cause, hosted as part of FRC’s Honouring Women Month,
celebrated the diversity, strength, complexity and resilience of
women past and present.

The
event attracted 150 women from all walks of professional life. Their
support will give to single parent families access to FRC
programming. They also attended to network with like-minded
individuals and to hear from LaShonda Coleman, Associate Dean of
Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator for Students at Pepperdine
University.

Before
the keynote speaker took to the stage, attendees mingled, took
pictures at the photo booth and reviewed the silent auction items.

Once
seated, they were entertained by young opera singer Daniella Shibli.
A favourite from last year’s IWD Luncheon, the teenager received a
standing ovation.

Mistress
of Ceremonies Erin Kaufman introduced Ms Coleman, who gave a powerful
address on 2020’s IWD themes: #EachforEqual and “Empowered Women,
Empower Women.” The keynote speaker asked attendees to take on
leadership opportunities within the community and at work and cited
education as one of the key factors in securing gender parity.
Furthermore, Ms Coleman suggested that the path to empowering women
was to “honour, educate, lead and persist (HELP).” While
acknowledging that not everyone’s route through formal learning is
easy or indeed straightforward, she reasoned that persistence was
paramount and encouraged attendees to share their education story
with others on their table. Ms Coleman also chose three women from
the audience to share their instructive stories with those present.

Following
the well-received keynote address, the FRC sold off items in their
silent auction. These included four original oil paintings (including
a picture painted at the brunch by artist Kay Smith), a spa treatment
and a basket of best-selling feminist literature.

The
champagne brunch included a carvery and buffet stations with seafood
options, cheeses, fruit and a variety of desserts.

The
dance troupe, Dream Chasers gave a mesmerising performance of an
original piece devised by their founder and choreographer Melisha
McField.

Director
of Counselling Services Judith Seymour gave a vote of thanks. She
acknowledged the generous sponsors who support the FRC’s major
public awareness campaigns and year-long programmes, in particular
this year’s IWD Platinum Sponsor the Ministry of Health,
Environment, Culture and Housing. She also welcomed Community Affairs
Councillor Austin Harris.

“The
IWD Brunch keynote address reinforced the message that everyone has a
role to play in forging gender parity,” she commented.

“I
was heartened to see so many people at the celebration who are truly
invested in being a part of this movement. It requires advocacy,
inclusive mind sets and concrete action from each of us to
collectively bring about further change,” Ms Seymour concluded.

Charmaine
Miller, FRC’s Programme Coordinator was also pleased by the support
received for the fundraising brunch.

“This
event has raised approximately $15,000 that will directly benefit
single parent families accessing FRC’s clinical programmes,” Mrs.
Miller advised.

“This
year, the funds will help alleviate some of the stressors these
families experience at times, which are additional barriers to making
positive changes in their lives. Thanks to the monies raised several
single parent families will now have access to further education, as
well as specialised academic support and free summer camps and
aftercare programmes for their children,” she concluded.

Captions
and pictures (GIS)

Brunch1/2:
LaShonda
Coleman was the keynote speaker at the Family Resource Centre’s
International Women’s Day Brunch during Honouring Women Month on
Sunday, 8 March.

Brunch3:
Caribbean
Utilities Company was among the corporate supporters of the FRC’S
International Women’s Day Brunch on Sunday, 8 March.

Brunch4:
Dance
Troupe Dream Chasers also got into the spirit of this year’s IWD
theme #EachforEqual, meaning an equal world is a balanced one, at the
Family Resource Centre’s International Women’s Day Brunch on
Sunday, 8 March.

Brunch5:Dance
Troupe Dream Chasers performed at the FRC’s sold-out International
Women’s Day Brunch at the Kimpton on Sunday, 8 March.

Brunch6:Attendees
at FRC’s International Women’s Day Brunch enjoyed the event.