The Girlfriend Gala 2013 Recap!

The 2013 Victorious Woman Celebration, The Girlfriend Gala was FABULOUS!

This evening of victories has become more special each year because of all the girlfriends who donate their time and talent to make it fun and inspirational and all the girlfriends who come to support their own dreams while helping other women.
Thanks to our sponsors: Ease-Up Muscle Therapy and Yoder and Armstrong Commercial Printers.
Carol Kivler inspired us with her “what’s important for you now” tips. Pattie Painter sang and got us wondering about what we’d do if we were brave. And while we had a lot of great raffle and silent auction items, it was Home of the Sparrow that was the big winner. All the proceeds will go to support that organization so it can help so many women in transition. There’s more below, and here’s…

What women are saying about The Girlfriend Gala 2013:

Your 7th annual Girlfriend Gala was quite the event. It was an evening filled with a variety of activities: recognition, laughs, inspiration, food, prizes, friendships and more. I drove home last evening with a grateful heart and a renewed spirit. – Carol GirlfriendGala2013.1.Trio
Three long-time girlfriends enjoying the festivities.

I was so inspired by Carol’s story. I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet Patty Painter. She was also inspirational. I hope to attend more of your events. So much fun.  – Carol

I had a wonderful time last night and I enjoyed meeting all of the positive women.  – Jada
GirlfriendGala1.2013
Annmarie Kelly inspires The Girlfriends
Just a note of thanks for a fun and enlightening evening last night. From talking to new folks at our table, to rediscovering an old acquaintance, to discovering a new shrimp source, to laughing with the fabulous comedian, to learning more about you and your inspiring business, it was a joy.  – Linda
I had a wonderful time last evening. You and your team do a marvelous job with the gala. It’s a labor of love. BTW – the blue ceramic bowl is gorgeous. I have it on my dining room table.  – Sarah GirlfriendGala.2013.4
Annmarie getting ready to introduce Victorious Woman Pattie Painter
GirlfriendGala2013.Treese
Theresa Hummel Krallinger brings the
funny to The Girlfriend Gala!
Thank You for another wonderful and inspiring evening – I just cannot tell you how much we enjoy you and all the other wonderful “girlfriends”! Your continued support is very special to us and greatly appreciated especially when times seem tough – I just go back and read your website and books and I come right back to “the good place” needed to be in business. – The Prosperity Sisters
Very nice event last evening, Annmarie. You did a great job and thought of everything. Thanks for giving us such a fun evening. The comedienne was hilarious! So nice to see you again!!
– SharonI had great fun at the Girlfriend Gala this week…thanks so much.
-Joan
photo1
Victorious Woman Honoree Carol Kivler accepts the Shining Star Award from Annmarie Kelly

Special Thanks

A special thank you to Pattie Painter for performing a beautiful and touching rendition of the song If I Were Brave by Jana Stanfield.
What would I do, if I knew that I could not fail?
If I believed, would the wind always fill up my sail?
How far would I go? What could I achieve, trusting the hero in me?
Chorus
If I were brave, I’d walk the razor’s edge,
Where fools and dreamers dare to tread.
I’d never lose faith, even when losing my way.
What step would I take, today, if I were brave?
What would I do today, if I were brave?
What would I do today, if I were brave?
What would I do today, if I were brave?
What would I do today, if I were brave?
Part 2
What if we’re all meant to do what we secretly dream?
What would you ask, if you knew you could have anything?
Like the mighty oak sleeps, in the heart of a seed,
Are there miracles in you and me?
Chorus
Part 3
If I refuse to listen to the voice of fear,
Would he voice of courage whisper in my ear?
What would I do today, if I were brave?

Here’s more!

While our guests were looking at what raffles and silent auction treats they wanted, they tasted special chocolate treats and truffles brought by Jessica from Lindt Chocolate at the Premiere Outlets. Jessica, I’m still hearing about how excited the women are after tasting the new Lindt chocolate coconut truffles.
Several women who came last year came back this year – with a table full of girlfriends! Other women, who came by themselves, have been telling me they met some interesting people and did some great networking both personal and professional.
Once everyone got their appetizers and went through the buffet line, I offered a victory toast.  Then I introduced Michelle McGowan from Home of the Sparrow. I loved how she wove the wonderful work Home of the Sparrow does around our Victorious Woman theme. And, of course, so many of the women Home of the Sparrow helps are really in the middle of their own victories.
As the program continues, I focused on how women creating victory. My best example was right from a episode of Celebrity Apprentice. Lisa Rinna, who was fired  very early in 2011 was back in 2013. She failed miserably during her first CA but was one of the best examples of Victorious Woman when she returned in 2013.
Then I introduced everyone to Carol Kivler, a 2009 Victorious Woman Honoree. Years ago she took the very controversial step of electric shock treatments for depression her victory over depression. She went on to create a very successful business. During her advice to woman, she told the crowd how important it is to be persistent – that when the normal route doesn’t work, you keep looking until you find the way that works for you.
We laughed ourselves silly during Theresa Hummel Krallinger’s special brand of comedy. None of us will ever look at a cubic zirconia again without a chuckle.
If you read Victorious Woman, you’ll remember Pattie Painter, who was diagnosed with potentially 5 cancers and was treated for 2 of them. When she reinvented herself after cancer as a wedding celebrant. The song that inspired her, and that she sang, was “If I Were Brave” by Jana Stanfield. I’m glad because the words are pretty powerful. I think they inspired a few women. And I know they re-inspired Pattie. She told me that when she was practicing the song, she was reinvigorated and inspired to set a new goal for herself.
If it wasn’t for Mary Jo Hitz, Helen Gallagher, and Doreen McGettigan, I don’t know how it would have turned out. Those women each had a special part in the planning. Helen was my go-to person. Mary Jo had a million great ideas. Doreen resurrected her skills from the days when she owned a gift business to help with beautiful baskets – along with Pattie Painter. At the Gala, MJ, Helen and Doreen were the glue that kept things moving at the registration table, selling raffle tickets, collecting auction money, etc.
It’s a wonderful thing to be in the energy of so many women who were celebrating with girlfriends, either long-time or brand new ones.  At the same time that we were laughing and joying our way into inspired victories, we were helping other women gain some stability during a period of transition.
As the evening ended,  several women told me how excited they were to be there and that they want to be part of the 2014 Girlfriend Gala. They warmed my heart!!
Thanks to everyone who was part of the 2013 Girlfriend Gala!
Victory on! See you on May 21, 2014!!

And A Special Thanks To Our Sponsors!

We couldn’t pull off this great event without help from these incredible companies!

Ease Up Massage Therapy

Yoder & Armstrong
Commercial Printers

And Thanks to all our great Donors!

Edgmont Country Club

Philadelphia Phillies

Norman Kivitz Company Jewelers

Neal’s Yard Remedies

Artist Leslie Ehrin

Danecraft Jewelry

Shoprite of West Chester

Giant Food Stores

Home Depot

Starbucks of West Chester

Trader Joes Gateway

Kivler Communications

Longwood Gardens

Peoples Light and Theater

Yoga Toes

Strappy’s

Adea

Becky Due

Coldwater Creek

Currie

Pam Mariani, Edgmont Country Club

Tyler Arboretum

Yoga Pro

Dr. Marie Russell

Great Clips West Chester

Skirt Bryn Mawr

Elaine Kelly, author

La Femme Gourmet

First Impressions LLC of Chester County

Nadia Bond

Joseph Eagle

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Who is Annmarie Kelly?

Annmarie Kelly is an Author, Speaker & Lifestyle Influencer. She helps women LIVE VICTORIOUSLY – out loud and in living color! I help women develop their own personal victory strategy so they can solve problems, transform adversities into opportunities, achieve their goals and create relationships where they feel valued.

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