The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch is a quarterly luncheon designed to inspire, educate, empower and celebrate the women of our community. And there is plenty to celebrate. The women of Fayetteville are unique. They are strong. They are innovative. They are community leaders, business women, daughters, wives and often mothers, who strive every day to make a difference in this community and in the world. This is who you will find at the Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch. And when these ladies gather, magic happens. Not only is there networking, brainstorming and information sharing, there is laughter, learning, connecting and even some shopping. The next Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch is on Aug. 11 at the I-95 Holiday Inn. 

This luncheon started several years ago after a group of women from Fayetteville attended the Triangle Ladies Power Lunch. As they carpooled home, they made plans to bring this phenomenal experience to our community. Not only has the event prospered, it has grown into a unique experience that reflects the members as well as the community. The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch celebrates the women throughout the Fayetteville and Cumberland County community who have faced life’s challenges with courage and determination and who want to create a powerful and fulfilling life dedicated to leaving the community better than they found it. The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch is dedicated to motivating and empowering women from all walks of life. Since its inception, the event has grown into a powerful resource.

 Each event includes some time for shopping before and after lunch, a keynote speaker with a powerful message, door prizes and a donation to a  local nonprofit organization that has an impact on our community, The Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation. The Shopportuniy Expo begins at 10 a.m. and includes not only vendors, but a wine tasting as well. The program officially starts at 10:45 a.m. and includes lunch and a keynote addres. There is more shopping from 2-3 p.m.

At the Aug. 11 luncheon, keynote speaker Margaret Dickson, former North Carolina Senator and State Representative, will address the attendees. Dickson has a heart for service and has spent countless hours volunteering for local organizations in the community in addition to  investing in the community as a business leader. Her commitment to the citiznes of the greater Fayetteville area is impressive, as is her belief that everyone has something to give to make Fayetteville a better, stronger place for the next generation. “Community service, in whatever form it takes strengthens our community and broadens the views and experiences of those who do it,” said Dickson. “It is also true that important decisions about both public and private policies and spending are going to be made whether we participate or not.  I choose to participate.” At the luncheon, Dickson will speak on a nonpartisan level about why it is important to get involved in the community. 

 Events of this reach and magnitude don’t happen on their own. It takes teamwork and dedication, and there is no shortage of people and businesses who believe in and invest in this cause. This event would not be possible were it not for the sponsors that support it. Fayetteville Women’s View Magazine, Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union, The UPS Store in the Westwood Plaza, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop, Biz Card Express, Omni Plaza, Premier Cardiovascular Center, J&J Desktop Publishing, Only N Door Digital Billboards and Methodist University are ongoing sponsors. The advisory board works diligently year-round to put each event together and make sure it all runs smoothly. The board is a dynamic team of women who work and or live in this community: Peggy Manning, Kia Walker, Cely Graham, Chi Chi Okoroafor, Jill Merrill, Joan Richter, Dr. Mary Kansora, Dr. Belinda Wilkerson, Jasmin Brown, Tracey Pearson, Natasha Barone and Keri Dickson.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. They are $35 to attend and $75 to be a vendor. Register online at www.FayettevilleLadiesPowerLunch.com. Next quarter’s lunch will be held Nov. 10, and Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard is scheduled to speak. 

To become a sponsor or for additional information, contact Keri Dickson at 584.4121.