JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
Mast Store’s Faye Cooper Receives 2009 Woman of Vision Award
$50,000 Raised For Women and Children In Crisis
An emotional Faye Cooper accepts the 2009 Woman of Vision Award at last Thursday’s Appalachian Women’s Fund luncheon at Blowing Rock Country Club. Mast General Store owner Faye Cooper received the 2009 High Country Woman of Vision award last Thursday, June 25, at Blowing Rock Country Club. A silent auction at the same event raised $50,000 for women and children in crisis.
“I am very touched. It was a complete surprise. I had no idea,” said Cooper after receiving of the award.
On acceptance she said, “It has been a true gift to have been a part of this community for 29 years and the blessing that I have is to be a part of the lives of many people sitting in this room and the many people whose lives they touch in a very warm and loving and helpful way.”
The Appalachian Women’s Fund, with premier sponsors and underwriters Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer of Westglow Resort & Spa, organized the award and luncheon.
Many local businesses donated items for the silent auction. In keeping with a trend nationally, the amount raised is down from $65,000 in 2008.
“Given the economic climate, I think $50,000 is incredible,” said Cathy Williamson, who is in charge of publicity for the group. “That money will go a long way to supporting the agencies in our six county area and the women and children those agencies support.”
Recipient organizations, such as OASIS, the Hunger and Health Coalition, Hospitality House, A.S.H.E. and DANA, serve women and children in areas of domestic abuse, higher education, hunger and poverty, healthcare and substance abuse.
In announcing the award, board member Christina Howe said choosing the winner was “a challenge,” but the committee “kept returning to one name,” which they worked hard to keep top secret until the announcement.
She said Cooper’s “involvement in volunteer work in Watauga includes 17 organizations. When you look at this list she has set amazing goals for herself…in her numerous efforts to raise the quality of life for families around the High Country and beyond.”
Cooper’s commitment to women and children started 40 years ago, said Howe, with special commitment to OASIS, in which she “has been involved from fundraising to taking care of family needs. Over the years, the OASIS staff has felt that she is part of their extended family. There has been no job too small or too big for her to roll up her sleeves and jump in…She is a non-stop community contributor.”
The nearly 200-strong audience received the announcement of Cooper’s name with loud applause and cheers. Cooper and her husband and are principal owners of the Mast General store, which has more than 150 employee owners as well.
Williamson said that Cooper “is everywhere. She just doesn’t even hesitate. You roll up with a need and she’s ready.”
Earlier, ASU student and young mother Kate Haskell spoke about how the fund is helping her continue her studies. Haskell has received a full scholarship for her summer session through a grant the fund awarded to the ACCESS program at ASU.
“It is so much more than just financial support. It’s a blessing to me and my family,” Haskell said.
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