HerShe Salutes Dr. Frank Ryan

Dr. Frank Ryan, a loyal supporter of the HerShe Group, died on August 16, 2010 around 4:30 p.m. Dr. Ryan drove his 1995 Jeep Wrangler off a cliff on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. The Jeep landed on rocks below and he was trapped in the vehicle and had major head injuries.

The HerShe Group, a mentoring and youth development organization for girls in foster care, frequently traveled that same path at Dr. Ryan's invitation to the Bony Pony Ranch. He was a generous friend of HerShe who frequently opened his home and his heart to HerShe girls. We shall always cherish our memories at the Bony Pony Ranch playing games, eating delicious barbecue, feeding the animals, and admiring the view. It was always a great experience that the girls loved. He would also frequently take the girls to sit courtside with him at Laker games. It was always exciting for the girls to watch Kobe and sit among other celebrity spectators. Moreover, Dr. Ryan was always creating ways that he could personally be of value to HerShe and was trying to create a winning fundraiser to benefit the girls.

I appreciate the life and legacy of Dr. Frank Ryan. I was privileged to to cross his path and spend such meaningful time with him over the last five years. We never know when our time is up and I am saddened by his too early departure of this life. I hope he knows how much he is loved by me, by HerShe girls and by all of the lives he has ever touched.

Rest in Peace, Dr. Ryan,

Kenadie Cobbin Richardson, CEO

HerShe Group Foundation, Inc.

(Pictured: Dr. Frank Ryan with Eve and HerShe girls, Rhyan and Tiana)

A HERSHE THANKSGIVING

On November 14, 2009, the HerShe Group held their annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration and proved to both honor and uphold the intentions of the popular holiday. I attended the event as a HerShe newcomer, arriving with hopes of learning more about the organization but at the same time, not knowing exactly what to anticipate during my visit. I simply did not know what to expect. My lack of expectation, however, proved to be all right because by the end of the day, I felt as though I received more than I could have ever expected. Ever.

I was fortunate enough to witness three holiday ideals while there.First, I witnessed the “giving” as I watched the HerShe mentors and the HerShe girls secretly make thoughtful gifts for each other that would be exchanged at the then upcoming Christmas Celebration. Also, the girls prepared the dinner that would later be shared by the entire HerShe family as the day’s culminating event. Each girl, mentor, and volunteer cheerfully gave their all at their respective tasks.

Secondly, I was privy to the “thanks”. The dinner was not only delicious, but delightful as well. There was a true sense of kinship and an air of love occupying the room. After the food was blessed, each individual stood up and noted what made them feel thankful. It was beautiful to see and hear everyone speak on how they have affected each other’s lives and made each other grateful for living.In all honesty, my spirits were lifted more and more as the day went on.

Each smile, laugh, and friendly exchange was like an instant shot of energy, a boost. I came into the space feeling unsure, slightly anxious and a little down (knowing that I wouldn’t be able to go home for Thanksgiving), but I left feeling extremely grateful and blessed.I truly look forward to more shared moments and memories with HerShe and certainly to the 2010 Thanksgiving Day Celebration, a day of THANKS, GIVING, and FAMILY.

A Special Thanks to Chef Antonia Lafosa, Pastor John David Webster, Sharon Mackey and Lynn Stuart.

~Alison Marcus, Volunteer