Three Amazing Women & Fashion at Saks Fifth Avenue

Left:Dr. Yerwood – a gift to Stamford and beyond.

Middle: Laurie Meadoff – forever visionary.

Right: Dr. Judy – beautiful, wise and fun.

Stamford, CT. We just learned from our dear friend Donnetta Campbell about a very special evening benefitting The Yerwood Center in Stamford and honoring three fabulous women who made and are making a continuing difference in children and youth’s lives every day.

First Annual Fairfield County “Wings of Change” Spring Event March 29th Stamford Saks Fifth Avenue

Dr. Joyce Yerwood ’s history with the center and life-long track record of creating innovative afterschool programs, is a fascinating read ( here ).

Dr. Yerwood’s service to Stamford began in1934, when the Union Baptist Church asked her to help members from Texas raise money for its Building fund. She gathered young African American teenagers and young adults in their early twenties formed a chorus, and produced the operetta “Yokahoma Maid.” This group became the nucleus for the conception of the Community Center. The group remained together as the “Negro Little Theater.” Rehearsals were in her home until time for training in drama and presentations.

In 1970, the present dream came true when a property exchange was documented with the City for the Steven’s School property. A campaign was instituted for the $2,000,000 building, blueprinted by a black architect, Robert Wilson. Mercede and Sons turned over the keys in 1975 and, at its formal opening, its new name “Yerwood Center” was announced.

As many as possible that could be contacted of the original “Negro Little Theater” came to that dedication and sang with Dr. Yerwood. They presented her with a golden necklace watch and 39 American Beauty roses, representing the 39 years she worked so hard for them in education, housing, jobs, and upgrading.

This Thursday, two of our favorite living women are also being honored – Dr. Judy Kuriansky, a Global Children’s Advocate, talk show host, and inspiring writer and speaker for her non-stop efforts to make children’s lives better around the world and  Laurie Meadoff, renown for her innovation across many important causes, from youth activation and education to women’s cancers to democracy and freedom of expression.

Lots of celebrities will be joining in, including Joe Franklin, Kelly LeBrock, Jodi Stevens, and Jerry Drake and the Front Page Orchestra.

Saks Fifth Avenue is generously donating their Stamford Store for a live theatrical performance by contemporary artist Fernando Luis Alvarez and Kelly LeBrock with a painting to be auctioned to benefit the center.

DETAILS

Thursday, March 29, 2012,  6-10pm

Saks Fifth Avenue Stamford

140 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT

Donation of $100 includes food, drink, entertainment, fashion show and silent auction

Saks will donate 10% of purchases to the Yerwood Center with a discount card, including presales

RSVP: wingsofchange@thebarnyardgroup.com

Prior to the evening festivities, the organizers are inviting a limited number of people to the “WOMEN’S HighNETwork” EDUCATIONAL DAY

Thursday, March 29, 2012 ~ 10am – 5pm (also at Saks Fifth Avenue).

Donnetta Campbell’s TheBarnYardGroup is producing both events.

Seating is limited and by invitation only (please contact info@thebarnyardgroup.com ).

LINKS

http://www.yerwoodcenter.com/

http://www.facebook.com/TheBarnYardGroup

www.womenshighnetwork.com

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/Entry.jsp

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