GRAY HOLIDAY PARTY

Herb Gray, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Felicia Gray

Photos by Paul Williams III

Philanthropists Herb and Felicia Gray know how to throw a party with a purpose. Their annual Gray Holiday Party raises money to help ensure that the Gantt Center continues to present, preserve and celebrate the best of African-American art, history and culture. Even Santa joined the festive evening that included sweet and savory treats, live music and dancing to a DJ

VISIONARY WOMEN LUNCHEON

Watered Garden Florist created the stunning floral arrangements.

Linda Lockman Brooks and Patti Tracey

Catherine M. Austin Designs and Todd Murphy Events transformed the space into a spring garden inspired by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta.

Windy O’Connor

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, center, was one of the hosts.

Porcupine Provisions created the delicious spring menu.

Marjorie Serralles-Russell

Paige Roselle

Joy Paige Springs

Jay Everette welcomes guests.

Joan Zimmerman

Leigh Goodwyn

Michelle Lee

Sandra Levine

Deidre Grubb

Speaker Alexis Jones

Speaker Alexis Jones’ stylish kicks.

Sonja Gantt interviews Alex Jones on stage.

Hillary Cooper

Madelyn Caple

Chandra Johnson

Sonja Gantt, Theresa Drew, Hillary Cooper, Nancy McNelis, Madelyn Caple and Pamela Davies.

Queens University of Charlotte President Pamela Davies surrounded by students.

Todd Murphy (seated, right) of Todd Murphy Events helped design the event.

                                                                          Tricia Coyne Photography

The Visionary Women Luncheon has a beautiful mission: to celebrate the power and purpose of women coming together to connect, listen and share. It's presented annually by Queens University of Charlotte, Wells Fargo Private Bank and the Mint Museum. 

Catherine M. Austin Designs, Todd Murphy Events and Watered Garden Florist transformed the Frances Young Dining Room at Morrison Hall on the university's campus into a garden inspired by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. Porcupine Provisions created the delicious spring menu. And Arzberger Stationers set the tone for the event by designing the gorgeous invitations. 

Along with honoring all women, the luncheon is also a chance to pay tribute to the past 33 recipients of the Queens University of Charlotte's Business Woman of the Year; and the Charlotte Woman of the Year program, which began in 1955. Charlotte's 2018 Woman of the Year is the university’s president, Pamela Davies.

Host committee members Madelyn Caple, Pamela Davies, Hillary Cooper and past Charlotte Business Woman of the Year winners Joan Zimmerman, Theresa Drew and Mayor Vi Lyles planned an interesting program featuring speaker Alexis Jones. Alexis is an internationally recognized author, activist, speaker and media personality. She talked about her I Am That Girl nonprofit and why she founded the ProtectHer locker room program that educates male athletes  on the importance of respecting women. 

One of the most exciting moments was Madelyn Caple, Regional Manager for Wells Fargo Private Bank, announcing the Wells Fargo Foundation grant investments of over $750,000 in philanthropic support for nonprofits and organizations serving the needs of girls and women. Along with generous donations to many recipients, it was also revealed that Wells Fargo is the lead $50,000 underwriter of Charlotte’s innovative new Family Justice Center in partnership with The Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. It will give domestic violence victims and their children access to all the services they need in a single place.