Each year, hundreds of women support Girls Place, Inc. at the annual luncheon that generates the financial resources needed to provide girls with fundamental programming
The lively women in extravagantly themed hats work together, placing the finishing touches on their masterwork. The tables adorned with heaping piles of props might only look like the final submissions for a table-decorating contest. However, these efforts embody something much more.
While the supplies from the tables at the annual Hats, Hearts and Handbags do serve as props for the competition, they more importantly encompass a considerable sum of donations to Girls Place, Inc.
The nonprofit is a central organization in the Gainesville community, where girls are surrounded by role models who inspire them to become leaders and empower them to become strong and independent young women. Through athletic, after-school and summer camp programs, the foremost mission of Girls Place is to enable girls to grow into courageous, strong and self-sufficient adults.
In the past year, the 501 (c) 3 organization served more than 600 girls ages 5 to 18. Much of the funding to operate the facility relies on events like Hats, Hearts and Handbags. The fundraiser doubles as a luncheon for women – and men – to not only give to the organization, but to compete in the anticipated contest while wearing their best hats, handbags and, of course, game faces.
The competition is fierce. Contenders not only diligently tower supplies coinciding with individual themes – like sports, equestrian, Girl Scouts and the arts – but they also play the part, oftentimes decked out in full attire.
The entertaining environment suits the organization perfectly, whose mission is to not only provide a base of athletics, education and safety for adolescents, but also of camaraderie and fun. Fundraisers like Hats, Hearts and Handbags are just another way to ensure the services continue to reach area girls, said Carmen Braun, the event chair.
“We want to help provide girls with an environment where they can learn the necessary skills to become strong, intelligent women and future leaders of our community,” she said.
Hats, Hearts and Handbags, which now celebrates 10 years, has long proved to be successful—combining fun and excitement with an honorable cause. Around $30,000 is raised each year, said Renae Clements, the executive director of Girls Place. All of the profits are used to enhance the basic programs to members, while also providing scholarships to girls. No girl is turned away from the center, Clements said.
The event celebrates womanhood and highlights the need for women to step up as leaders to young girls. With a number of ways to give, some donors submit silent auction items or volunteer on the planning committee, while others purchase tables and tickets for girls of the organization. The girls who are able to attend the event, Clements said, are exposed to creativity, literacy and companionship.
“It’s an incentive for them to do well,” she said. “It’s quite something for these young girls to see ladies all dressed up, working to help them.”
The fundraiser has also proved to become just as meaningful to the attendees. Braun first got involved when she was invited to be on the planning committee more than 10 years ago.
“I was hooked. There was so much enthusiasm and excitement—as there still is each year we plan the event,” she said. “I believe that as women, we need to provide young girls with the information they need and with the support to believe, strengthen and realize their dreams.”
And that’s what Kia Painter, the vice president of human resources for Cox Communications southeast region, will address this year as the keynote speaker. She firmly believes mentoring girls now is the best way to prepare them to become successful leaders later on. Her belief strikes close to home—she credits her own success to the women who mentored her when she was young.
“It is imperative that we teach and coach the women of our future on the importance of choice, risk taking and balance to achieve a prosperous [society.] We all must live our life with purpose,” Painter said. “At the age of 31, I became the youngest vice president in my company. I am a real-life product of various women who took the time and energy to guide and encourage me to work toward something purposeful where I could make a difference.”
Women like Painter, who are dedicated to helping young girls, are the reason Girls Place can operate, Clements said.
“These ladies are making it possible to serve children who deserve nothing less than what life has to offer.”