NEW YORK WOMEN’S FOUNDATION’S “CELEBRATING WOMEN” BREAKFAST 2013

 

Having attended this same event two years ago, (which you can read about here, if you missed it the first time: www.itsnotaboutme.tv/news/2011/06/02/new-york-celebrating-women-breakfast,) and seeing how worthwhile it was, (I mean the organization, not the meal,) I stayed in Manhattan two days longer than I wanted to last month to go to this year’s breakfast, held this time at the New York Marriott Marquis. (You know I considered it to be a good one for me to be someplace at 7:30AM again!)

The New York Women’s Foundation, which funds programs that promote economic security and justice, anti-violence and safety, health, and sexual rights and reproductive justice for women and girls in New York City, has grown to become one of the top three women’s funds in the world! Pretty impressive.

This is how this year’s twenty-sixth annual event went: For those of us who were not yet quite awake, (and perhaps I was one of them,) we were revved-up by a performance from an all-female (what else at a women’s event?) mariachi band, Mariachi Flor de Toloache. That music got our attention. (We ended the morning’s program with music, as well, but more on that later.)

I started writing my shallow, jokey notes, (such as—“After I hassled to get up at the crack of dawn, guess what they were serving for breakfast? E-words!!! Just my luck!,” and, “I spotted about seven brave men in the assemblage of females, and a few I wasn’t so sure about, if you get my drift!,”) and then the speakers began to get to me, and I was embarrassed in front of myself for what I had already written. These women all had dramatic and important stories to tell, and as they grabbed my attention, I eschewed all my original notes.

The honorees were being lauded for their social activism and/or philanthropy. It was nice to see so many kind and successful women in one place. And ones who rose above their original sad plights in life, like Ruth Moore who had been raped in the military. Her story of moving on was interesting and inspiring, with touches of fabulous-ness thrown in.

The highlight for me (and I’m sure for everyone in attendance!,) was hearing Nobel Peace Laureate, Leymah Gbowee, speak. She’s a peace activist from Liberia, and I’m pleased to tell you that all two thousand guests stopped talking, eating, writing, and even texting when she spoke. I even stopped breathing! It was magical. What a woman!

She spoke so gently, yet powerfully, of what she’s seen of war and abuse in the world, and why we must all help out. Many people were crying, including yours truly. My reaction took me by surprise, but what she was saying was so emotional, although she didn’t pound us over the heads with her message. It was simple: “Don’t be angry and sit quietly. Work to make this world a better place. Don’t lose your steam.”

That last part got to me because I realized I had. Lost my steam. I used to try to help everybody, because aiding even one person who needs it is important in this world. If we each helped just one person, and then they helped another…well, you know how it goes. But in the past couple of years, dealing with so many selfish, self-entitled people, I have lost my steam a bit. But I did help one person get into medical school recently, so if she helps patients down the line, I’ll be happy knowing that I helped plant that seed.

And, I’m hoping that by getting Leyman’s message out by writing about it, that will create a pebble ripple in the river. Or lake. I don’t what body of water it’s supposed to be, but I’m sure you get what I’m saying.

Leymah ended her speech, and the proceedings, by having us all stand and sing Wake Up Everybody. There could not have been a better ending to a philanthropic event! We all left there buzzing and energized. And hopefully with a mind to do better in this world. One can only hope.

For more info, on this event and the organization in general, please go to www.nywf.org.