Special guest speaker Naomi Judd shared inspiration and hope while speaking up and speaking out for vulnerable women in Calgary.
Calgary, Alberta – November 18, 2013 – The YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) once again encouraged Calgarians to speak up and speak out for the city’s most vulnerable women through its WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala, presented by Enbridge Inc. The gala was held yesterday at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
The YWCA hosted country music legend and healthy family advocate Naomi Judd, as the special guest speaker at this year’s gala. Naomi shared her story of adversity, resilience and optimism with the crowd of over 450 guests in attendance.
Despite the great success Naomi and her daughter Wynona enjoyed in the 1980s performing as The Judds, Naomi’s life has often been anything but glamorous. From struggling through poverty and challenging relationships as a young single mother, to facing a life threatening disease, Naomi has not only persevered but also thrived.
“Having Naomi Judd as our guest speaker was extraordinary” said Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of Calgary. “Hearing her story, and realizing how much of what she experienced connects to the stories I hear each day at the YWCA, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The bravery and resilience of women continues to amaze me.”
The YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala raises funds to support the emergency shelter, housing, counselling and skills development programs the YWCA offers for women and their families. Through ticket sales, silent auction, live Pledge-a-thon and donations, the 2013 YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala generated more than $425,000.
This will enable the YWCA to continue to intervene, empower and lead when and where women need the organization most. The ongoing goal of the YWCA is to raise awareness about family violence, homelessness, poverty, and isolation while supporting women to thrive in a safe and equitable community.
-30-
About the YWCA of Calgary
The YWCA of Calgary provides emergency shelter, housing, counselling and skills to women who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, family violence and social exclusion. For more than 100 years, YWCA of Calgary has continued to adapt to the changing needs in the city. Serving more than 8,700 clients in 2012, across a continuum of programs and services, the YWCA is focused on empowering women and their families to move from a place of vulnerability to one of hope and resilience. For more information, visit ywcalgary.ca.
For information and interview inquiries please contact:
Stephanie Jo
NATIONAL Public Relations
Phone: 403.531.0331l Email:sjo@national.ca
3rd annual YWCA WHYWHISPER Fundraising Gala a Success!
