Great Dames is celebrating 10 years of helping women discover their “Great Dameness.”
The celebration will women icons from Pennsylvania and Great Dames’ home state of Delaware.
The names of the first honorees will be released in the coming months. The celebration will be held Wednesday, April 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hockessin Memorial Hall.
Both men and women are invited to join in an evening of conversation, festivities and music.
All proceeds from the event will go to the newly-formed Great Dames Foundation, which supports women, girls and women-focused organizations. One of the first gifts from the foundation will be scholarships that are being awarded in the name of the selected women icons.
Music will be performed by Mark Farner, who is best known as the former lead singer, main songwriter and guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad.
He will be backed up by Club Phred, a popular local band.
“I’ve been blessed to have had many great dames in my life,” said Farner who has been married to his wife, Lesia, for more than 40 years. “I could not be happier to share our songs with a group as inspirational as Great Dames.” Mark Farner’s appearance has been made possible by Frederick J. Dawson, ChFC, CLU of Bassett, Dawson & Foy, Inc. and leader of Club Phred.
Great Dames was started ten years ago by former DuPont executive, Sharon Kelly Hake. Its focus has been to unite “kindred spirits with purpose” across cultures and ages through programs promoting conversation, innovation, and inspiration.
To date, more than 8,500 women have attended Great Dames programs; 600 women have invigorated their lives and careers through mentorship and peer-to-peer advising; 450 women entrepreneurs have been supported with funding and expert advice; and 210 nonprofits have received grants or volunteer assistance.
“This is not just a celebration of Great Dames,” said Hake. “It is a celebration of a remarkable community of women who authentically share their challenges and triumphs to inspire others – especially a younger generation of aspiring Great Dames. Most importantly, this anniversary year marks a new chapter as we do more to activate change for women around the country.”
In 2019, the organization has major plans in addition to launching the Great Dames Foundation. Great Dames plans to expand chapters to other cities and work with strategic partners to help provide an environment of safety, support and growth for women of all ages and backgrounds.
To purchase tickets for this fundraiser, visit Upcoming Events at GreatDames.com.
