Drinking for a Good Cause -- Wine Tasting @ Rideau Vineyard

The HerShe group hosted a wine tasting fundraising event at the tranquil and beautiful Rideau Vineyard (http://rideauvineyard.com) in Solvang, California.

HerShe supporters had a chance to sit back and enjoy the ride up the coast in a comfortable private bus with DVD players showing classic Soul Train episodes and of course, presentations of events featuring the HerShe girls.

The day started out cool and overcast but by the time we arrived to the Santa Ynez Valley vineyard, it was sunny with a slight breeze. We were greeted by the hospitable Iris Rideau, who graciously advised two of our HerShe girls on how to achieve greatness, mainly by believing in themselves. She also shared the fascinating story of how she started with an old dilapidated farm but with a dream and determination, turned that blank canvas into an award winning winery owned by the first African American in the United States. What a fine realization to a dream.

We were all enjoying the beauty of the rose gardens, the fabulous home Ms. Rideau built and the remodeled barn that she transformed into a wine tasting room that is now a historical landmark.

The wine tasting was fun, the food was delicious and the peaceful tranquility was difficult to leave but as we boarded the bus to depart, our bus driver surprised us with the news that the fun wasn’t over yet. We had time to make one last stop in downtown Solvang to see its shops, Dutch appeal and pick up additional souvenirs besides the wine that accompanied us from the Rideau vineyard. Aaaahhhh the wine.

On the ride home, some of us slept, some read, some chatted and then there were the ones who couldn’t wait to open their sweet Rieslings and it took the game of Taboo to a whole ‘nother level of fun.

HerShe would like to thank all the supporters of this event. The feedback was so positive that the decision was made to make this an annual event. So get ready for next year where drinking will be for a good cause.

by Michele Clark

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

HerShe Girl “Bridges” into Adulthood

Last Sunday, the HerShe Group invited over 75 guests to witness the first annual HerShe Bridging Ceremony designed and written by Hattie Winston, Lynn Claire Stuart and Kenadie Cobbin Richardson. This year, three HerShe girls will be transitioning from adolescence into adulthood; however, the ceremony honored one young lady – Erika Jones.

The ceremony began with all of the girls dressed in all-white entering the room. Twinkie Byrd was the regal mistress of ceremonies, director and also the one-on-one mentor of the young lady “bridging” into the adult world. As Twinkie began speaking from the podium, she held back tears as she contemplated the road that was completing and the road that was just beginning for her mentee.

As famed musician, Munyongo Jackson, played a determined drum beat, the younger girls who have yet to reach emancipation age showed their HerShe sister love by placing symbolic artifacts in a decorative box.   In this box, Erika received silver ribbons that represented each person in the HerShe community, a glass slipper symbolizing her ability to take her place in the world, an ankh symbolizing her faith and femininity, and a butterfly representing her transformation from a girl to a woman.

After all of the girls presented the HerShe prayer, pledge and song, Erika Jones was “sworn in” to adulthood by HerShe Group founder, Kenadie Cobbin Richardson. Erika promised to leave childish things behind and embrace all that it means to be a young adult woman.

Finally, the time came when she would physically bridge into society. With the HerShe community behind her and the community at-large in front of her, charismatic Rev. John Cager spoke words of wisdom and encouragement on behalf of the world she was now entering. He reminded her that her HerShe family would always be there and it would be up to her to include and involve her HerShe family with her new life as an adult. It was truly an amazing moment.

Kenadie would like to send a special THANK YOU to LYNN CLAIRE STUART who was the catalyst for this ceremony taking place. She worked tirelessly in her effort to create, perfect and format the ceremony especially for HerShe girls. She deserves all of the love and adoration from all 75 guests and especially HerShe Group’s founder, Kenadie Cobbin Richardson.

Nia Long Adopts HerShe as her Favorite Charity

Award-winning actress, Nia Long, adopted the HerShe Group as her all-time favorite charity. When asked why Long chose to passionately support the HerShe Group, Nia explains, “I had been contemplating several charities that I was considering to get involved with for about two years. But as I continued to get to know Kenadie, the HerShe girls, and the life-changing work that was being done, I realized that this is where I was meant to be. HerShe gives young women the guidance, skills, and love to move beyond unfortunate circumstances and create greatness for the future. I have dedicated my time, talent and resources to these girls and feel blessed to be accepted and appreciated. Together, we grow, laugh, cry and love!”

Nia’s friend, a HerShe volunteer (Daphne Wayans), invited Long to speak to the girls during HerShe’s first Camp Cinderella. This specialized camp for girls in foster care is held annually on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus. During her talk, Nia spoke candidly about her own childhood struggles, the thrilling details of her rise in Hollywood as one of the industry’s most beautiful and talented leading ladies, and the importance of forgiveness.

Eight months later, the HerShe Group honored her with the nonprofit’s first ever Essence of Being Extraordinary Award. During her acceptance speech, Nia revealed, “I didn’t grow up in foster care, but there is a little HerShe in me, too.” She courageously shared circumstances in her life that she overcame to be successful.

She returned again that summer to HerShe’s Celebrity Barbecue Bash along with friends Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall. Responding to their easy-going presence, a HerShe teen commented, “It was so cool hanging out with them. They really are just like regular people. I feel like I can talk to them about anything.”

HerShe Group’s founder and executive director, Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, enjoys working so closely with Nia and is more hopeful about the organization’s future than ever. She shares, “Because of Nia’s involvement, HerShe will be providing transformational programs for girls in foster care well into the future!”

Yahoo! Donates HerShe’s Largest Grant To-Date

The Yahoo! Employees Foundation (Yahoo!) demonstrated the highest level of confidence in HerShe Group’s innovative and effective programming by donating $32,000 -- the largest grant ever received by the nonprofit to-date.

Yahoo! was at first reluctant to award a grant that is 21% of the organization’s budget. Normal industry practice is 10 to 15%. However, the grants committee was so impressed with the organization’s proven track record of success; they saw their donation as an opportunity to help HerShe leverage larger donations from other companies as a result of their leadership contribution.

Christi Turner, a three-year veteran mentor and Yahoo! employee at the time, encouraged HerShe to apply for the grant. Only Yahoo! employees can submit grants for consideration and must champion the organization throughout the lengthy application process. “I love how HerShe helps to transform the lives of girls in foster care. I will do whatever I can to support the organization’s mission,” said Christi regarding her involvement.

Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, HerShe Group’s founder and executive director is thankful for Christi’s leadership and initiative. Kenadie noted, “She exemplifies what being a part of the HerShe community is all about!”

The Essence of Being Extraordinary Charity Breakfast

HerShe Group’s first charity breakfast featured four incredible women who have significantly impacted the lives of our youth. Nia Long (Award-winning Actress), Jessica Harper (Best-selling Author), Venus Manuel (Miss Black United States), and Charisse Nesbitt (Author/Editor) inspired the audience with compelling speeches.

Several HerShe girls whom attended the breakfast felt encouraged by the speakers. Nia Long shared her personal story of hardships experienced and encouraged listeners by explaining how she rose above difficulty. Porchia Burnett, a HerShe Alumni, commented “we were encouraged because we realized that everyone goes through difficult periods in their lives regardless of who they are”.

Overall, the event proved a success as the morning was filled with encouragement and laughter. Through the generous participation of the guests, HerShe was blessed by the money raised. Product sponsors included Avon, Dry Soda, Her Energy Drink, Jive Records, Maybelline, National Foster Care Month, Nikki Michelle Jewelry, Pangea Organics, Red Light PR, Sephora , SmartWater, and Strebor Books. All proceeds benefit the HerShe Group.