NWA Power of the Purse Luncheon for Women’s Foundation of Arkansas

http://womensfoundationarkansas.org
Internationally Renowned Financial Expert with Arkansas Connections
To Speak at Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Inaugural
NWA Power of the Purse Luncheon
 
ROGERS, AR . . . . (October 1, 2012) – The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) will host the “Power of the Purse” luncheon October 5^th, 2012 from 11:30 – 1:00 pm at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, AR. Though this is the first NWA “Power of the Purse” luncheon, it has been held in Little Rock since 1999.  It is the primary fundraiser for the foundation.  The WFA provides grants statewide to programs focused on women and girls.
 
The Keynote Speaker, Neale Godfrey, is an internationally renowned financial expert with Arkansas connections.  As one of the first female executives of Chase Bank, she approved a substantial loan in support of Sam Walton's dream of developing Wal Mart. “I was representing Chase Manhattan Bank at Wal-Mart’s annual banker's outing…I think it was 1978. I had made the decision to lend to Wal Mart in a big way…I loved Sam's approach to the market…he was right! He told me that I was the first "lady" banker he had ever seen. He said, "Little lady, I'm not bothered by you, your money is the same color as those other guy's," Godfrey recalls with a smile.  
Neale has authored 26 books focusing on money, life skills and values. She became the president of The First Women’s Bank and founder of The First Children’s Bank. In 1989, Neale formed her own company, Children’s Financial Network, Inc., whose mission is to educate children and their parents about money.
“The WFA is delighted to have this distinguished woman speak at our first NWA event.  She is a perfect example of the Power of the Purse,” stated WFA Executive Director, Lynnette Watts.   
Another highlight of the luncheon will be to introduce the first annual WFA Woman Business Leader of the Year Award.  The award will be presented to Judy McReynolds, CE O of Arkansas Best Freight Association of Ft. Smith, AR.  The Award recognizes an outstanding woman in Arkansas who has shaped the success of her organization/business and demonstrated leadership, professional achievement and contributed not only to her workplace, but also her community. This is the only award given in Arkansas to a woman business leader.
 
 
The lunch event will be emceed by Jennifer Irwin, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
 
The mission of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas is to promote philanthropy among women and to help women and girls achieve their full potential.  The WFA is dedicated to improving the economic viability of women and girls through focused philanthropic efforts in areas of education.  The Foundation was established in 1998 by a group of Arkansas women who devoted their time and energy to helping other women and girls achieve a better life.  They saw the need to encourage and educate girls in the eighth grade, a crucial time in a girl’s life. The WFA is dedicated to promoting philanthropy through supporting programs that enhance and encourage girls via grant making. The Girls of Promise Event is held throughout the state each year to educate, enhance and encourage 8^th Grade girls in Arkansas to follow dreams of becoming outstanding leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased on the WFA website.  Select the Power of the Purse Luncheon on October 5, 2012 to make your reservations. Seating is limited so register online today.    www.womensfoundationarkansas.org   
For more information about the work of the WFA, go to www.womensfoundationarkansas.org