United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon Provides Inspiration to “Just Do It!”

From left: Women's Leadership Council Executive Committee Members Kathy Brown, Thumbprint Marketing; Samantha O'Lenick, Florida Hospital; and Sara Brady, Sara Brady Public Relations, Inc.

“Just do it.” I had been inspired by this phrase years ago when Nike first released this ad campaign in an effort to encourage the public to become more physically fit. But when I heard the phrase again last week at the 5th Annual United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon, it touched me in a way that I was not expecting.

This time it wasn’t Nike telling me to “Just do it,” it was Sister Ann Kendrick, who leads community relations for the Hope CommUnity Center, a United Way partner agency. Before delivering the invocation, Sister Ann looked out over the 800-plus women who were attending the luncheon and she asked the attendees to reach out and hold their neighbor’s hand.

Sensing the hesitation in the room, she simply said, “Just do it.”  With that, my right hand found itself in the palm of a stranger.

It’s funny how a simple gesture like holding someone’s hand, can instantly break down barriers. When the invocation was over, the stranger and I immediately engaged in conversation. We talked all through lunch and I quickly learned that she was looking for employment in the hospitality industry. We exchanged business cards and I encouraged her to call me. I had a few people in mind who might have a job opening and I wanted to help her find work.

Our conversation wasn’t unique. Everyone at my table was connecting with each other. In fact, the entire room was buzzing. No matter where you were seated, it was evident that women were on a mission to help each other. With three simple words, “Just do it,” and a handshake, Sister Ann Kendrick had released the compassion and nurturing spirit within all of us.

The United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon was conceived five years ago in an effort to provide additional support to the women and children in our community who are experiencing extreme hardship. In my eyes, the luncheon has far exceeded its mission. Not only does the event raise significant funds for those in need, but it also reminds each of us that whatever our own set of challenges and struggles may be, support, empathy and advice is always within reach.

If you have the chance to attend this event next year, or volunteer your time at one of the many United Way partner agencies, my advice is simple: “Just Do It!”

Kathy Brown
President, Thumbprint Marketing
United Way Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee   

Kathy Ireland, CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, Captivates More Than 820 Local Businesswomen During United Way Luncheon

Kathy Ireland with United Way Women's Leadership Council Co-Chairs Karen Dee, (left) Florida Regional President of Fifth Third Bank, and Helen Donegan, (right) Vice President of Communtiy Relations for the University of Central Florida

Discussing everything from her career as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to the entrepreneurial achievements recently highlighted in Forbes magazine, Kathy Ireland inspired more than 820 prominent female leaders during the Fifth Annual United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon.

From Beach to Boardroom
In sharing her journey “from the beach to the boardroom,” Ireland said she has learned many critical lessons since launching her first business venture – designing and selling socks – nearly 20 years ago. Since that time, Kathy Ireland Worldwide has grown into a global brand and design empire that sells more than 45,000 products – everything from home furnishings and replacement windows to wedding fashions and books – in 50 countries.     

“Modeling was never part of my plan, I always knew that I wanted to be on the other side of the camera,” said Ireland, noting that she barely graduated from high school. “I’ve had many failures throughout my career, but they’ve provided an incredible education. Don’t be afraid of failure. Learn from it.”

While encouraging the group to follow their dreams and passions, she also advised them to have a solid plan. “If you have a great idea, don’t let anyone discourage you,” she said. “But always remember that imagination without implementation is hallucination.”  

Ireland, a noted philanthropist, also praised the Council’s efforts to improve lives of local women and children in need and encouraged others to follow them.

Gail Amaral

Helped by United Way
Also speaking during the March 14 luncheon was Orlando resident and Publix associate Gail Amaral, who shared a moving story of how she and her husband, Jay, survived an unexpected medical crisis thanks to help received through 2-1-1, United Way’s free, 24-hour information, referral and crisis helpline.   

Following emergency heart surgery last October, Jay was unable to work for three months, which reduced the couple’s income by half. 

“With bills piling up, we were getting further and further behind,” Amaral said. “Even with good health insurance, there was no way we could keep up. Just before the holidays, things hit a breaking point when I could no longer pay the rent. Terrified of losing our home, I called United Way 2-1-1, where I learned I was eligible to receive temporary rent assistance. I can’t tell you the difference this made in our lives.”

Event sponsors for the Fifth Annual United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon included Tupperware Brands Corporation, Fifth Third Bank, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Orlando Health, Orlando Magic, the University of Central Florida, Darylaine Hernandez Law Firm and Florida Hospital.

For more information about the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, click here. To view, download and share photos from the luncheon, please visit United Way’s Facebook page or Picasa photo gallery.

Kathy Ireland, World-Renowned Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Actress and Supermodel, to Headline Women’s Leadership Luncheon

With the recent news that Kathy Ireland, CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, is headlining this year’s United Way Women’s Leadership Luncheon, excitement and demand for tickets are building for the March 14 event.

$1.9 Billion Brand & Design Empire
Characterized by Forbes Magazine as the “prototype of model-turned-mogul,” Ireland leads a $1.9 billion brand and design empire that includes everything from home furnishings and fashion to publishing and destination properties. Ireland launched the company in 1993 at the height of her modeling career, which included three appearances on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

In recent years, Ireland has gained respect and recognition for her philanthropic efforts to improve education, reduce poverty and help families prosper – all of which align with United Way’s focus.

With demand for tickets and corporate tables already strong, another sell-out crowd is anticipated for the luncheon, which last year raised $180,000 to help local women and children in need.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available
United Way is very grateful to the generous companies that have stepped forward to sponsor this year’s event. To date, they include Tupperware Brands Corporation, Fifth Third Bank, Lockheed Martin, Orlando Health, the Orlando Magic, Darylaine Hernandez Law Firm and Florida Hospital. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.

So we hope you’ll make plans to attend or sponsor this terrific event. It’s a great way to give back, get inspired and make a difference. Click here to purchase tickets or to learn more about corporate table and sponsorship opportunities.

Women’s Leadership Council: Valuable Lesson in Sharing, Saving & Investing in Our Children’s Future

Patty DeYoung, center, was one of nearly two dozen members of the United Way Women's Leadership Council who recently volunteered at the Apopka Family Learning Center

Not long ago, I was fortunate to be among nearly two dozen members of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council who visited the Apopka Family Learning Center, a United Way partner agency that serves children from working-poor families.

We spent a great afternoon with a group of adorable kids and also shared an important lesson, which we hope will serve them well in the years to come.

To get acquainted, we began by reading My Fantastic Field Trip, a book by Dave Ramsey that focuses on the importance of saving money. Afterwards, everyone gathered around to paint piggy banks, which the kids personalized and could take home to start their own savings. Needless to say, the “piggies” were painted all sorts of vibrant colors and I can personally attest that the adults had as much fun as the kids.

We also played a game with Skittles candies, which the children counted out like money and divided into separate envelopes. Lots of lively conversation ensued as we talked about how much they would spend, how much they would save and what they wanted to buy.

The cutest comment came from a little boy who asked if he had to save all his Skittles or if he could eat them right away. “I know about savings,” he said, “but this is candy, not money!”

All in all, it was a terrific day and I’m so proud of the work the Women’s Leadership Council is doing to support local women and children in need. Hopefully, our visit will have a lasting impact in helping these kids grow up to be strong, healthy and financially stable.

To view additional photos, click here.

Patty DeYoung
United Way Council of Women
United Way Loaned Executive