For Immediate Release
YW CALGARY ANNOUNCES MARCIA CLARK AS 2017 YWHISPER GALA KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Lead prosecutor in O.J. Simpson trial brings awareness to the issues of social injustice, gender discrimination and violence against women
Calgary, AB, Monday, June 5, 2017 – The keynote speaker for the 7th annual YWHISPER Fundraising Gala is Marcia Clark. In addition to her background as a criminal lawyer, Ms. Clark is a champion of women’s rights, legal analyst and best-selling author. Early bird tickets are now on sale for this year’s YWHISPER Fundraising Gala, happening on Thursday, November 16, 2017.
The recent release of Golden Globe-winning television series, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story has created a resurgence of interest in the high-profile case and Ms. Clark’s impact on a male-dominated industry. The harsh criticism she faced being in the public eye including sexism, harassment and media bias are relatable to many women today. The double standards placed against women in high-power jobs still live on more than 20 years after Ms. Clark’s career in law. Ms. Clark worked on countless cases during her tenure, many involving violence against women and several of these under public scrutiny.
“We are delighted to have Marcia Clark speak at this year’s YWHISPER Fundraising Gala,” says Sue Tomney, CEO of YW Calgary. “She is an accomplished professional, a loving mother and an advocate for women’s rights. The sexism she has endured and her journey of advocacy has created the awareness Ms. Clark brings to women-centred issues and makes her a great choice as the 2017 YWHISPER Gala speaker.”
The YWHISPER Gala is a YW Calgary signature fundraising event and is integral to generate funding to help empower women and their families to lead healthier and happier lives. The highly-anticipated event will raise funds to support programs and services which enable women, while advocating for their safety, social and economic rights. For the past six years, the YWHISPER Fundraising Gala has brought unique and provocative speakers to Calgary; from Michaëlle Jean and Gloria Steinem to Naomi Judd, Erin Brockovich, Martin Luther King III and Monica Lewinsky.
Beginning on June 5th, when you purchase an early bird ticket you will be entered in a draw to win ticket(s) to the YWHISPER Gala VIP reception. This intimate group of guests will have the opportunity to meet and have a photograph taken with Ms. Clark.
Sponsorship packages are also available and help ensure the annual YWHISPER Gala continues to raise awareness and funding to support all women to thrive in their communities. Please contact Robyn Jackson, Development Officer at (403) 705.0138 for more information.
For more information on YW Calgary and to purchase tickets go to www.ywcalgary.ca/ywhisper/.
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About YW Calgary:
YW Calgary is the largest and longest serving women’s organization in Calgary. For 106 years we have focused on enhancing women’s safety and well-being while advocating for equity. In 2016, YW Calgary supported more than 6,800 Calgary women and their families. Together with our donors, government and other social agencies, we provide crisis shelter, transitional and supported housing, counselling, parenting supports, childcare, language and employment programs that help move women from crisis to stability.
Women-centred. Brighter-future focused.
For information please contact:
Angela Cabucos
Brookline Public Relations, Inc.
Phone: 403-538-5641 ext. 109
Email: acabucos@brooklinepr.com
