Little Black Dress Gala - Women's Lunch October 20, 2017

Another initiative of the Help Change My City Alliance (HCMC) is to invite women, especially single moms, who need a beautiful, safe place to be celebrated, to meet new friends and people who appreciate and celebrate their strength and resilience. The gorgeous rooftop restaurant of the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was the setting and we were treated to a delicious salad, chicken dinner and fabulous dessert. Linen table cloths, sparkling cutlery, pristine white with elegant centerpieces and wonderful company, made this truly a celebration. Alpha, Christine, Marketa, Sarah and others reinforced such a heartfelt welcome. Thoughtful, attentive staff. Our compliments to the Chef, too.

Some of the women said they felt intimidated at first, but most of us had not been there before and what's more, even though we all wore black, (easy and looks great) not everything was high cost. Some of my look was courtesy of BWSS My Sister's Closet, a jewel of a thrift boutique at Seymour and Helmcken.

Naomi, age 17 from Sullivan Heights Secondary, Surrey, where she is in her final year, sang and entertained us. She recently went on the walk for reconciliation and is organizing her club at her school to learn more about First Nations communities. She wants to bring in First Nations Designers and Artists to Sullivan Heights. Amazing talent and such a positive role model for her fellow students.

One of the women at my table, Dayo, came to this luncheon because "someone remembered her", invited her and was there to welcome her. She says for her, as a newcomer, it is so important to be acknowledged, invited, welcomed and for people to say, hello. It was lovely to have her company at  the evening Gala.

The attendees were thanked for taking care of their homes and families and for believing that there is something better to come. They were thanked for teaching their children powerful things. They were invited to bring others for the next event, this Spring.

Everyone had the opportunity to have professional photos and to choose a huge variety of free make up and perfume samples.

We toasted each other and the next chance to make this event even bigger!