More than 1,000 prominent Central Florida community leaders joined keynote speaker and best-selling author Cheryl Strayed on Feb. 26 for the 8th Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon hosted by Heart of Florida United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council. The event at the Hyatt Regency Orlando raised more than $150,000, which will be invested in United Way’s local education and literacy initiatives.
Strayed, New York Times best-selling author of “Wild,” shared how hitting rock bottom led to an inspirational journey across the Pacific Crest Trail. The movie version of the book hit theaters this winter and starred Reese Witherspoon as Strayed.
“I was always poor growing up,” said Strayed. “I was one of those kids that United Way is helping.”
Luncheon supporters included gold sponsor Tupperware Brands Corporation and silver sponsors Fifth Third Bank, Lockheed Martin, Massey Services, Orlando Health, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Publix Super Markets, Sorensen Moving & Storing, University of Central Florida, Wells Fargo Financial, Florida Hospital, WFTV Family Connection andThe Orlando Business Journal.
The Women’s Leadership Council strives to improve the Central Florida community as well as expand educational opportunities. Chaired by retired banking executive Karen Dee and vice-chair Pat Engfer, area vice president and general manager at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, the Council has more than 440 members who donate more than $830,000 annually.
“Each year, we’re grateful for esteemed speakers like Cheryl Strayed who advance our mission of supporting youth education,” Dee said. “We are also thankful that Heart of Florida United Way gives us a platform to raise awareness of critical issues impacting our community.”
For more information about Heart of Florida United Way’s Women’s Leadership Luncheon, visit www.hfuw.org/Womens_Leadership_Luncheon.php.
