JANUARY 21, 2010 ISSUE
The Children’s Playhouse Honors Great Friends to Families January 29
Luncheon Features World-Renowned Author Nikki Giovanni
Nikki Giovanni—the first recipient of the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 “Living Legends” and author of more than 30 books for adults and children—will speak at the 2nd annual Great Friend to Families Award luncheon on January 29 presented by The Children’s Playhouse.
The first recipient of the Rosa L. Parks Woman of Courage Award, one of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 “Living Legends” and author of more than 30 books for adults and children, Nikki Giovanni is well-suited to speak at the 2nd annual Great Friend to Families Award presented by The Children’s Playhouse.
“She is a hero to her many adult and child readers around the world,” said Playhouse Executive Director Kathy Parham of Giovanni, whose recent work, Rosa, was a Caldecott Honor Book. “So we are thrilled that she will help us celebrate our Hometown Heroes right here in the High Country.”
Held from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, at the High Country Home Builders’ Plaza and catered by presenting sponsor Storie Street Grille, this event honors nominees from across the High Country who have made sustained contributions to improve the lives of High Country children and their families.
This award will recognize sustained contributions by an individual to the well being of young children and their families in the High Country area. A distinguished committee of local leaders, including last year’s winner, Watauga County Children’s Librarian Judith Winecoff, will choose the winner. The award-winner will be presented with a piece of stained glass and $500 to donate to the High Country charity of their choice. All nominees will be honored at the event.
As of press time, The Playhouse had received sixteen nominations: Julie Bostick, Kim Carter, Matthew Crawford, Angie Dolen, Shirlee Edwards, Karen Hayes, Ashley McKinney, Pat Morgan, Tammy Nelson, Carrington Pertalion, Lauren Vilas, Susan Weinberg, Delores Wilder, Roberta Yates, Susan Jones and Joan Zimmerman. Nominations were due January 19.
“These nominations represent an amazing cross-section of High Country folks,” said Parham. “They range from a fire prevention officer to a midwife, to therapists, social workers, teachers, founders of some of our most enduring institutions and longtime volunteers with deep, deep roots in our community.”
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased on The Playhouse website by clicking to www.goplayhouse.org/events/Great_Friend_to_Families_award.html. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible. The luncheon will raise funds to support the nonprofit children’s museum, The Children’s Playhouse.
Event sponsors are Storie Street Grille, YourArtisticSide.com, High Country Home Builders Association, Wachovia-A Wells Fargo Company, Mast General Store and Drs. Mayhew, Conn, Scheffler and Hardaway. Giovanni appears with assistance from ASU. Media sponsors include Ray’s Weather and Todd’s Calendar.
For more information, call 828-263-0011 or click to www.goplayhouse.org.
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