In the days leading up to the party, the Friends participated in Lifeskills classes to teach the resident women ideas for party food and decorations. Lecia Jordan worked with the women to make Valentine’s cards, which were sent to a YWCA in the Gulf region that was affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Patti Brenkle and Kara Arnold taught them how to make a simple paper plate look elegant, with threaded ribbon. Carole Gibbons, Georgia A couple of days before the party, Carole Gibbons, Ellen Warren and Roni Trogner taught the residents to make a delicious chicken parmesan dish, to be served at the party.  

On the night of the party, dinner was formal and served by Friends members. The menu included the chicken parmesan made by the residents and Friends, served with salad, and meatballs. Dessert was brownies and heart cookies.  

 

The guests were entertained by classical pianist Mary Jean Holmes, who played beautifully before and during dinner.  Patti Brenckle took a photo of each woman and her family, which was printed on site to be taken home as a gift.  Darnell Rebuck had the women laughing with his after-dinner comic routine. YW resident Theresa Taylor read three of her own poems, one of which is to be featured in this year’s Mother’s Day card. The evening ended with all the women shouting enthusiastically: “Hooray for me”, as staff members Keya Lucas and Sylvia Lacerda presented a reading of the book “Hooray For You – A Celebration of You-ness”  

(right) The tables looked beautiful with handmade Valentine's decorations.

Thanks to volunteers from Highmark, the women could enjoy the party without worrying about their children, who were having their own good time downstairs in the YW staff lounge.

A very big thank you to all the volunteers who made this a very special evening for the women and children of the YWCA.