RHONDA WALKER FOUNDATION HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL
MOVING WITH SUCCESS EMPOWERMENT BRUNCH

Fundraiser Honors Women Who Help Provide Healing, Health, and Hope

Detroit, MI – Rhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4 news anchor, and the dedicated board of directors and volunteers of the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) will host the fifth annual “Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch: Conversations with Powerful Women of Purpose,” on Sunday, October 11, 2009. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Seldom Blues restaurant in downtown Detroit.

The Foundation will honor 15 doctors and other professionals for their contributions to the health care industry and their commitment to serving youth in the metro Detroit community. This year’s honorees include the late Dr. Sophie J. Womack, former vice president of medical affairs for Harper University and Hutzel Women’s Hospitals and the first African American to serve as president of the Wayne County Medical Society of Southeast Michigan; Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan’s first surgeon general and vice president or community health, education, and wellness at Henry Ford Health System; Dr. Patricia Wilkerson-Uddyback, chief of emergency medicine at DMC Harper University and Hutzel Women's Hospitals; obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Sharon Miller; pediatrician Dr. Lynn Smitherman of Children’s Hospital; dermatologists Dr. Karen Heidelberg, Dr. Shauna Ryder-Diggs, and Dr. Lorna Thomas; Dr. V. Elayne Arterbery, director of prostrate Brachytherapy at the Karmanos Cancer Institute-Crittendon Hospital; Nancy Schlichting, president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Health System; Dr. Patricia Maryland, president and chief executive officer of St. John Health System; Teresa Parker, chief operating officer of Sinai Grace Hospital; Dr. Vernice Davis Anthony, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council; Florine Mark, president and chairman of the board of Weight Watchers; and Dr. T. Jann Caison-Sorey, senior medical director for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

WMXD-FM 92.3’s morning news reporter Ramona Prater will serve as mistress of ceremonies. RWF President and Founder Rhonda Walker will moderate a panel discussion featuring the honorees. This interaction is designed to inform and inspire RWF teens and guests.

“The Empowerment Brunch is more than a fundraiser for the foundation. It not only allows us to highlight women who have achieved success and contribute to our community, but it also helps encourage and empower our guests—particularly the young people,” said Walker. “This year’s honorees provide healing, help, and hope to our community through their professions and charitable organizations. I hope everyone who attends the brunch will be inspired by their stories of sacrifice, service, and success.”

During the brunch, guests will have the opportunity to win several valuable prizes, including a luncheon and fashion show for 12 at Neiman Marcus, a complimentary wine reception for 25 at Seldom Blues Restaurant, the use of a luxury sports car, and coveted gift certificates from local jewelers. Limited edition RWF bracelets and studded logo T-Shirts, designed and created by the teens, will also be available for purchase.

“I would like to thank all the board members and volunteers for helping make the Empowerment Brunch a successful annual event. I am also grateful to this year’s honorary chairs,” said Walker. “Because of the many people who have supported my vision and worked to carry out the mission of the Foundation, we are able to provide our teens with the skills, tools, and resources they need to become productive members of our community.”

Honorary chairs for the empowerment brunch include Anthony Armada, Dr. Frank McGeorge, and Dr. Earlexia Norwood of Henry Ford Health System; Mike Duggan and Emery King of the Detroit Medical Center; Dr. Herman Gray of Children’s Hospital, Conrad L. Mallett, Jr. of Sinai Grace Hospital; Dr. Charles Boyd; Dr. Felicia Wilson; Drs. Brett and Dawn Hughes; and Frank Torre.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person; they can be purchased in advance or at the door. Sponsorship packages are also available. All proceeds will benefit the Rhonda Walker Foundation.

Founded in 2003, the Rhonda Walker Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization. Its mission is to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful, and moral future leaders. Mentors work with at-risk but promising teens and help them build self-esteem, leadership, and life skills through monthly career development, educational, mentoring, and empowerment programs and activities.

To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or learn more about the Rhonda Walker Foundation, call (800) 652-2989 or visit www.rhondawalkerfoundation.org.

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Rhonda Walker Foundation Partners with Neiman Marcus for Spa Party
Non-Profit Celebrates Supporters with an Afternoon of Pampering for a Purpose

Detroit, MI – The Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) will host a Spa Party on Sunday, September 20, 2009, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The afternoon of appreciation activities for Foundation friends and supporters will take place at Neiman Marcus at Somerset Mall. Retailer Neiman Marcus is sponsoring the private event. The mall is located at Big Beaver and Coolidge in Troy.

“I am grateful to Neiman Marcus and the many individuals and organizations that have provided the Foundation with the talent, tools, and funds we need to help young women recognize their promise and realize their potential,” said Rhonda Walker, founder and president of the Foundation. “Because of their commitment to the mission and vision of the Foundation, my dream to provide teen girls with the information and inspiration they need to succeed is a reality. This event gives the Foundation an opportunity to express its appreciation for their support.”

Guests will enjoy live entertainment and complimentary spa services, delicacies and beverages, and valet parking. Participants will also receive gift bags, gift certificates, gifts or services from Neiman Marcus beauty vendors, and beauty tips.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets to the fifth annual “Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch,” which will be held at Detroit’s Seldom Blues Restaurant on October 11, 2009, at a discounted rate of $100. The event highlights achievements of women who have reached the highest levels within their profession field and demonstrated a commitment to youth in the metro Detroit community.

Founded in 2003, the Rhonda Walker Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization. Its mission is to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful, and moral future leaders. Mentors work with at-risk but promising teens and help them build self-esteem, leadership, and life skills through monthly career development, educational, mentoring, and empowerment programs and activities.

For more information, please click here.

Space is limited. To reserve a space or to learn more about the Rhonda Walker Foundation, call (800) 652-2989 or visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.rhondawalkerfoundation.org

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RHONDA WALKER FOUNDATION HOSTS FOURTH ANNUAL
MOVING WITH SUCCESS EMPOWERMENT BRUNCH
Fundraiser Lauds Ladies in Law

Detroit, MI – Rhonda Walker, WDIV Local 4 news anchor, and the dedicated board of directors and volunteers of the Rhonda Walker Foundation (RWF) will host the fourth annual “Moving with Success Empowerment Brunch: Conversations with Powerful Women of Purpose,” on Sunday, October 5, 2008. The event will take place from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Seldom Blues restaurant in downtown Detroit .

The Foundation will honor a dozen judges and lawyers for their contributions to the legal field and their commitment to serving youth in the metro Detroit community. This year’s honorees include U.S. District Court Judges Anna Diggs Taylor and Denise Page Hood, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura D. Corrigan, The Honorable Denise Langford-Morris, The Honorable Shelia R. Johnson, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and Nicole Lamb-Hale, Managing Partner at Foley & Lardner, LLP.

WDIV-TV 4’s morning correspondent and author Paula Tutman will serve as mistress of ceremonies. RWF President and Founder Rhonda Walker will moderate a panel discussion featuring the honorees. This interaction is designed to inform and inspire RWF teens and guests.

“The Empowerment Brunch is a special event because it is more than a fundraiser for the foundation. Our honorees leave a lasting and valuable impression on all those in attendance,” said Walker . “This year’s honorees have reached the highest levels in the legal field and received numerous accolades, while managing to be great mothers, wives, and community volunteers. I have always admired women who have achieved the balance we all seek. I hope the teens of RWF—and everyone who attends the brunch—are inspired to identify their purpose, pursue their passion, achieve their potential, and use their power to uplift others and their communities.”

Guests will have the opportunity to win several valuable prizes, including a luncheon and fashion show for 12 at Neiman Marcus, a complimentary wine reception for 25 at Seldom Blues Restaurant, the use of a luxury sports car, and coveted gift certificates from local jewelers. Limited edition RWF bracelets, designed and created by the teens, will also be available for purchase.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person; they can be purchased in advance or at the door. Sponsorship packages are also available. All proceeds will benefit the Rhonda Walker Foundation.

Founded in 2002, the Rhonda Walker Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization. Its mission is to empower inner city teen girls towards becoming strong, confident, successful, and moral future leaders. Mentors work with at-risk but promising teens and help them build self-esteem, leadership, and life skills through monthly career development, educational, mentoring, and empowerment programs and activities.

To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or learn more about the Rhonda Walker Foundation, call (800) 652-2989 or visit www.rhondawalkerfoundation.org.