400 guests from across the globe attended the 4word Virtual Gala last weekend to celebrate the organization’s awesome 10-year history and to enjoy a stimulating conversation between two legends, Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton and former-celebrity-sports-agent-turned-business-coach, Molly Fletcher. The virtual fundraiser benefited 4word’s mission to help women in the workplace reach their God-given potential with confidence.
Guests tuned in from as far as Korea and as nearby as the glamorous multi-media studios of The Slate right here in Dallas, Texas. Whether donning floor-length gowns or pajamas and slippers, guests participated from the comfort of their own homes, bidding on silent auction items and continuing to give with the text-to-donate program. Guests were also gifted engraved champagne flutes, presented by Toyota, to further the celebratory activities.
The triumphant evening raised a net $200,000, meeting the charity’s fundraising goal after pivoting in early December from a live event to the virtual Gala. Proceeds support 4word’s online blogs, monthly podcast, email newsletters, social media, and more; 28 community groups; and flagship mentorship program, an exciting 10-week experience that has connected over 600 women with mentors to help guide their spiritual, relational, and professional journeys.
Even though the audience and impact were huge, the night was intimate and emotional. Hosted by Shelly Slater, former Emmy award winning news anchor and reporter, the Virtual Gala began with prayer in three languages and inspirational stories by various 4word members. Both Fletcher and Retton discussed their personal lives, spoke from the heart, and revealed how faith helped them overcome difficult challenges and continues to play a significant role in their daily lives.
“We are blessed,” exclaimed Diane Paddison, executive director and founder of 4word, “to have so much interest, excitement, encouragement and support for ten years. I look forward to see where we progress in the next decade and the lives that we touch.”
The 4word 10th Anniversary Virtual Gala was made possible by the generous support of Toyota (Presenting Sponsor); Linda Buford, Locke Lord LLP, Valiant Integrated Services, and Monica and Leland White (Gold Sponsors); and Swallowtail Group and FedEx Office (Silver Sponsors), among others.
Mark your calendars for the 2022 4word Gala to be held Saturday, February 26th at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, TX with keynote speaker Tammie Jo Shults, a retired naval aviator, author, and captain of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380. You won’t want to miss!
About 4word
4word is a global faith-based community that empowers and inspires women in the workplace through personal connection and mentoring to reach their God-given potential with confidence. 4word’s global programming provides tools and resources to connect, support and encourage women as they face opportunities and challenges in their careers and personal lives. Through these connections, 4word women build authentic friendships with women who share their Christ-centered values. www.4wordwomen.org