The Woman of the Year Gala is the signature fundraising event for Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence. Each year, one woman is selected for her professional, charitable, and civic accomplishments and celebrated as the central focus of the Woman of the Year Gala. Former honorees include Phyllis Brandon (2007), Cindy Murphy (2008), Millie Ward (2009), Donna Cone (2010), First Lady Ginger Beebe (2011), Linda Gleason (2012), Terri Erwin (2013), Eileen Sotomora (2014), Sharon Bale (2015), and The Men Behind the Mission - Chuck Erwin, George Gleason, Chip Murphy, and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora (2016).
Women & Children First has named Melanie Jackson as the 2017 Woman of the Year. Widely known for her long-term commitment to
at-risk youth, Melanie Jackson started volunteering with P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids) in 1992 and currently serves as the organization's
Community Outreach Coordinator. She finds working with teens exciting and challenging, but worth every minute she spends with them each day.
Melanie has also completed her first novel, The Wonder, a religious fiction book touching on issues relatable to today's young adults.
Please join us at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom on Saturday, February 4, 2017 for the blacktie gala. The evening will include a cocktail reception, followed by a formal dinner and a special tribute to our honoree, Melanie Jackson. The event chair is Diana Smithson and the co-chair is Bobbi McDaniel. Craig O'Neill will be the evening's emcee. Gala tables are $3,000; Patron Sponsors, which includes two tickets to the gala as well as two tickets to the VIP Reception, are $1,000; individual tickets are $300. Sponsorships are also available. Click Here to download the sponsor packet or contact Sarah Pollack, Development Director, at [email protected] or 501-960-6778.
