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Contact:
Rebecca Finley
rfinley@cfmt.org
615-321-4939
January 31, 2008
Power of the Purse Luncheon to Celebrate 10th Anniversary
Sherry Lansing to Speak during Annual Women’s Fund Event
NASHVILLE, TN – Philanthropist and former chairman of Paramount Pictures, Sherry Lansing, will inspire women as she talks about her career and the powerful role of philanthropy in her life at the 10th Annual Power of the Purse Luncheon.
The luncheon, benefiting The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, will be held on March 7, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. Tickets are $200 per person or $2,000 for a table of 10. Reservations for the event can be made online at The Community Foundation’s Web site www.cfmt.org, www.thewomensfund.com or by calling (615) 321-4939.
“Sherry Lansing is an example of the capacity and power of women driven to make a difference,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, co-chair of the Power of the Purse Luncheon. “Lansing uses her professional success as a platform to promote philanthropy and important efforts to improve education, support cancer research, art and culture.”
In 2005, Lansing founded the Sherry Lansing Foundation where she currently serves as chairman of the organization. One of The Foundation’s top initiatives is an innovative educational partnership that places retirees in Los Angeles public school to fulfill specific needs. The Foundation also actively supports cancer research, as well as cultural initiatives.
In 1984, Lansing assumed the position of president at 20th Century Fox, becoming the first woman to head a major film studio. She later served as chairman of Paramount Pictures for more than 12 years. During her career, she oversaw the release of more than 200 films including Academy Award winners "Forrest Gump," "Braveheart," and the highest grossing movie of all time, "Titanic." Among many honors during her distinguished career, in 2007, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences awarded Lansing with an Oscar for her humanitarian work.
“Lansing’s mission to create lasting social change aligns with that of The Women’s Fund, and we are honored that she is able to speak at the 10th anniversary luncheon," said Elizabeth Papel, co-chair of the Power of the Purse Luncheon.
For 10 years, the Power of the Purse luncheon and tribute book have celebrated and honored women, raising more than $1 million for The Women’s Fund. Since the inception of the Fund, hundreds of Middle Tennessee nonprofits have received grants to help women and girls in need. This year, the luncheon is co-chaired by Colleen Conway-Welch and Elizabeth Papel.
The purse, a symbol of women’s capacity for philanthropy, has become an emblem central to this event. At the luncheon, a silent auction will feature unique purses donated by retailers, community members and celebrities. Luncheon attendees will also take home the 2008 A Celebration of Women pictorial tribute book, which is filled with tributes to women everywhere. Proceeds from the auction and tribute book will help further support The Fund’s mission to help women and girls in need.
To learn more about The Women’s Fund and the Power of the Purse luncheon, please contact Liza Lentz at llentz@cfmt.org or (615) 321-4939.
About The Women’s Fund:
The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving the interests of women and girls through education, health and human services, victim’s support services, domestic violence intervention, drug rehabilitation, and job training. Past recipient organizations include American Association of Refugee & Immigrant Women, Domestic Violence Intervention Center, and Renewal House, among others.
About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee:
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 630 charitable funds. In the past sixteen years, The Community Foundation has distributed $340 million to community programs and institutions. Currently, The Community Foundation manages endowment, unrestricted and memorial funds totaling $426 million. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, # 400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
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