for more than 20 orphaned children living in her four-bedroom house. Somehow, this woman—who was by no means wealthy— managed to feed all these children every day. She cared for them, clothed them and loved them. Stevens stated that in caring for the orphans, Mama Hezekia and her husband lived by the motto, “We cannot change their pasts, but we can change their destinies.” Stevens also spoke about a High Country mother named Alice. “Alice is an amazing lady,” said Stevens. “She’s strong, she’s kind and she is a fierce mother. Although she does not run an orphanage out of her home, she does have two children of her own, who are now grown. She also adopted a young girl who was one of her son’s classmates in elementary school. This girl was mistreated and neglected by her own parents, but found a mother and friend in Alice.” Stevens stated that within the past two years, Alice lost her job and her home and developed some serious health issues that she can’t afford to treat. “Yet, somehow, like Mama Hezekia, she always remains upbeat and positive and ready to help others. These two women live on opposite sides of the earth, with very different cultures, and they have both opened their hearts and homes to those in need, even though they both fight every day to make ends meet.” In addition to the luncheon, the event featured a giant silent auction with donated items and gift packages from area restaurants, artists, adventure outfitters, hotels and other businesses. The luncheon
and silent auction serve as the largest annual fundraiser for AWF grants. Public relations director for AWF Cathy Williamson spoke about one of her favorite movies, “The Help,” and a quote from it: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” “Those nine little words are spoken by a black nanny to a pudgy, undervalued white baby in her care,” said Williamson. “The first time we hear them is when the nanny lifts the toddler from the crib and carries her to a rocking chair. “That nanny has the foresight and experience to know the power of those words. And she makes sure they are the very first thing the child hears every morning, before her tiny feet hit the cold, hard floor. Williamson related the movie quote to the AWF mission and how each child should have the chance to hear those words on a regular basis. “For the families we serve, what is it that gets in the way of that possibility being a reality,” asked Williamson. “Too much poverty; too little education; too much substance abuse; too little support; too much violence; too little love. “What a difference nine little words can make in the life of a baby girl, a blossoming teen or a grown woman.”
Bidders look over silent auction items at the Appalachian Women’s Fund annual Women of Vision Luncheon at the Linville Ridge Country Club.
JULY 2012 | AAWMAG.COM
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