Girls Inc. supporters gather for ‘Women of Vision’ luncheon

 

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg
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Girls Incorporated presented their 8th Annual Women of Vision luncheon at Phoenix Expo Trade & Event Center on Tuesday (July 20).

The luncheon included drawings and a silent auction featuring sunglasses and fashion accessories. All proceeds benefited Girls Inc.’s general operating fund, according to Monica McKinney, executive director.

Girls Incorporated of Fort Smith is committed to providing a safe environment with educational and recreational programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges.

"We want to make sure that girls have the opportunity to do things without worrying about nails, hair, etc." McKinney said. "In addition, through our direct-to-garment t-shirt machine, the girls are being taught to run a small business."

This summer Girls Inc. was the winner of the National Park Foundation’s First Bloom garden design contest. The design features raised beds planted with native Arkansas plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. To fit in with the historic nature of the park, the girls helped maintain the garden wearing costumes from the 1860s.

"Through the gardening, we are teaching a skill they can continue using through their lifetime," added McKinney.

The First Bloom group of six girls traveled last week to Washington, D.C. to visit national parks and be recognized for their winning effort.

"They had a good time in Washington," McKinney said. "They were able to meet Boozman, Lincoln and Pryor. They actually got to stand on the White House lawn and watch as President Obama boarded Marine 1."

Judy R. McReynolds, president and CEO of Arkansas Best, spoke to the group of 275 women and men who attended the event. Her speech was about success and relating it to the success of Girls Inc. McReynolds said most successful people are hard working, look forward and not backward and are willing to learn something new every day. McReynolds said her parents always told her she could be whatever she wanted to be.

"Girls Inc. provides that opportunity," she said. "I always had a good, positive home life. … But some of the girls who attend Girls Inc do not. They get positive encouragement from Girls Inc."