The luncheon fundraiser is a common event in Gainesville. People socialize, dine and listen to a guest speaker. But, there is one lunch that has all these things and, as attendees call it, “a fierce competition.”
Hats, Hearts and Handbags is the signature campaign for Girls Place Inc., when attendees get creative as they decorate tables and wear costumes that correspond to a secret table theme. It may sound simple, but the tables are judged by a panel of experts who name winners in eight different categories, and the extreme levels to which table leaders will go to win know no bounds.
Past tables have ranged from a collection of teapots for a theme of “Afternoon Tea” to an actual sailboat mast for a nautical theme (The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center had to move a ceiling tile so it would fit!). A “Phantom of the Opera” table featured a crashed chandelier, a pirate table had chests overflowing with treasure and a table of cancer survivors decorated tents and dressed in the style of the television show “Survivor.”
The Gift of Opportunity
It’s all in good fun, and all proceeds from the event go to funding supportive programs for young girls at Girls Place.
For Ta’neya and Alexis, Girls Place is a safe space where they can learn new things, have fun, see their friends and get homework help. From sports programs and field trips to regular sleepovers, girls are given a myriad of opportunities to try something different while forming friendships and learning about their community.
Alexis loves the activities, especially ice-skating, and has also come to enjoy math and science — the 11-year-old already dreams of a future in child psychiatry.
Ta’neya said that her favorite thing is the organization’s annual awards ceremony, which recognizes girls for their special efforts and achievements.
“There’s always music, and everyone is so excited,” she said.
The 12-year-old remembers how thrilled she was to meet Michelle Obama when she visited the Gainesville area in Sept. 2012. The first lady stopped by Girls Place and spoke to the girls; she even joined them on the floor to play games.
Ta’neya remembers the advice Mrs. Obama gave them: “She told us to keep up the good work and it will come in handy one day.”
Empowering Dreams
As for the future of Girls Place, Executive Director Janna Magette said she sees the organization becoming the number one place in Alachua County for girls to develop the skills they need to make their dreams happen.
”We want our girls to gain exposure to a wide range of activities and knowledge so that they leave us prepared and passionate,” she said. “We intend to launch a leadership curriculum that will bridge our after-school, summer and athletics programs together. Through this, we aim to engage, encourage, enrich and empower our young ladies.”
Girls Place is always in need of sports equipment and art supplies. Right now, the organization is looking to fund a new gym, tablets and new furniture.
Costumes and light-hearted competition are just one more way Gainesville ensures that young ladies have a safe location they can go to for sports, socializing and guidance. Girls Place provides opportunities for girls to learn, help others and gain inspiration for their dreams.
In addition to the costume luncheon, Girls Place hosts other events such as the Swamp Chomp during football season, the Will Muschamp Scramble in February and the annual BBQ Chicken Lunch in the fall.