Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

I attended the CARE.org Powerful Noise documentary last night which was shown in more than 400 movie theaters across the United States. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#29528531. I was very engaged by the power of gender equality which leads to economical, educational and political equality and empowerment (among other benefits).

The idea of empowered, educated, economically viable and politically active women having equal say in their families, villages, countries and the world is exciting and world-changing. Many problems the world struggles with now would be tackled in a whole different way. E.g., no more girls sold into sex slavery. Girls would be educated and valued, families would have the income of the working mother and no longer have to rely on selling their daughters to support the rest of the family, women politicians would enact new laws and female judges would hand down equitable, no nonsense sentences to the transgressors.

I believe that microfinance, of which I am a big supporter, is one of the most exciting programs that has been devised in a long time that speaks directly to women’s economic empowerment. And I firmly believe there are many others breakthroughs in this area waiting to be discovered and implemented.

I believe that the power of women’s voices and women’s ability to change the world has barely been tapped. And if it were fully tapped (or even partially tapped), we truly could change the world for the better by focusing on raising up women around the world.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

I received this in my email today:

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women’s Empowerment (www.Womens-Empowerment.org), an organization devoted to “Ending Homelessness One Woman at a Time”, attracted over 500 celebrants to its 7th Annual Gala at The Grand event center in downtown Sacramento.

The event featured moving presentations from some of the 468 graduates of the Women’s Empowerment program as well as community leaders such as Bishop Quinn of the Sacramento Catholic Diocese, Dana Howard of Sacramento’s News10, and many more. The event raised more than $60,000 to support the programs that help women and their children transition from homelessness into stable jobs and safe housing situations.

Local philanthropist and Sacramento real estate developer Moe Mohanna donated the use of his venue, The Grand at 1215 J. Street, as well as all of the food and staffing to provide a first class banquet. The Executive Director of Women’s Empowerment, Lisa Culp, presented Mr. Mohanna an award for his support and said, “Moe’s involvement has meant the world to our organization, our graduates and their families.”

And it continued....

I have never heard of this group, but what a wonderful thing they do. And right here in Sacramento, working to help women get off the streets and back to leading productive lives to include employment and housing.

I am sure there are many SacWomen who could provide lots of very valuable support. I checked out the website and they are looking for volunteers to do lots of things, but one caught my eye. To spend an hour a week to work one on one with a woman who needs help to build a resume, coach by undertakinga mock interview, and providing self-confidence development. Check it out and lend a hand.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

Check out an interesting way of fighting global poverty while beautifying your home.

A much better way of helping out the world than using bombs!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

Crave Party, Sacramento’s Preeminent Women’s Night Out Event and Susan G. Komen for the Cure have partnered for the December 13, 2007 – “A Pink & Black Affair” being held at The Masonic Temple in downtown Sacramento. Crave Party Sacramento will donate 6% of gross profits for purchased tables and attendance for the December 13th event celebrating everything women love – beauty, fashion, shopping eating and more. Also, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure will be on site providing valuable breast health information to the female attendees.

“We believe the Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a perfect fit for Crave and a true leader in fundraising for the cure of breast cancer and awareness”, stated Samantha Graham, Crave Party Producer. “Crave Party is a celebration of women, giving them one location to be pampered, shop, eat, relax and gain knowledge about local vendors catering specifically to them. ‘A Pink & Black Affair’ is the theme of the December 13th event celebrating all things pink and the elegance of black. We are very proud to be able to contribute monetarily and by offering a location for breast health awareness for our local community.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Crave Party Sacramento will give a guaranteed minimum contribution of $1,300, as well as all proceeds from event raffles or silent auctions. For more information on the Komen Foundation Sacramento Valley Affiliate, please visit .

Crave Party Sacramento’s “A Pink & Black Affair” is expecting a multitude of female attendees and vendors at The Masonic Temple located at 1123 J St opposite the Convention Center in downtown Sacramento. The December 13th event is scheduled to start at 5:30pm and conclude at 9:30pm. For more information on Crave Party Sacramento, please visit or call (916)363-2942.

Grab a bunch of girlfriends and check it out.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 6:07 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (1)

WEAVE (Women Escaping A Violent Environment) has not increased the number of beds (35) it has to offer in 20 years. But that will all change soon - as soon as they meet their $4M fundraising goal for a new 80-bed center

They have collected 60% of it (with help from a recent generous $500K contribution by the Rumsey Indian tribe).

The new larger shelter will allow the not-for-profit to serve more women (they currently serve 750 a year), will provide more services and training, and will allow those in need to stay longer, as they try to sort out their lives.

This is a great organization that provides empowered choices for women who are in desperate situations. Please consider supporting WEAVE. Check out the website to also find out where you can donate clothes to their benefit store.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

Yesterday I read a piece in the Dallas newspaper about the Dallas Women's Foundation. I was intrigued by the concept of a fund that raised money from women and then granted it to women and children's organization in town. I even visited their site in the middle of the night checking out the kind of grants they were making. I wondered how long it would be before Sacramento could also do something along those lines. (If there is something already, please let me know) and decided that I would write a post on this topic today.

Imagine my surprise when this morning a post was placed on the Huffington Post written by Helen LaKelly Hunt, a founder of the Dallas Women's Foundation. And she, in conjunction with her sister, Swanee Hunt, has issued a challenge to other women in order to raise $150M over the next two years 'to propel the aggregate assets and grant-making of women's foundations globally past the billion-dollar mark'.

Please check out her post. And let's figure out how to support Women Moving Millions, no matter how small the contribution we can make, to exceed their goal!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:14 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

WEAVE, Sacramento's primary provider of crisis intervention services to victims of domestic violence, received a donation of $500,000 from Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians. The gift is the largest private donation to a $4M campaign to build a new 12,000 square foot facility for WEAVE.

The facility will go beyond just providing a secure, temporary home for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. WEAVE will also be able to offer on-site a more comprehensive range of counseling, parenting education and job skills training that will help its clients become self-sufficient and more likely to make a permanent break from domestic violence.

The Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians owns and operates Cache Creek Casino Resort.

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen.com

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX, Georgia's Woman of the Year (2005), and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2002), has joined forces with Richard Branson to create the Sara Blakely Foundation.

The Foundation helps women globally through education and entrepreneurial training.

Read about Sara's story - she is an amazing woman and entrepreneur.

Pierre Cutler
The Sacramento Executive

Posted by Pierre Cutler at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (1)

I woke up this morning and decided on a new daily goal - to be able to answer this question every night, "What did you do today to improve someone else's life?" And then I thought I would go for the double play, "What did you do today to improve your own life?" The second question is a subtle hint to myself to exercise more and eat better (and less!)

Plan set, execution is in progress!

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 7:06 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

AN EVENING WITH THE STARS
A CELEBRATION OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS
October 6, 2007, 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
Tickets: $100 each
FEATURING
Five Star Catering by the Supper Club
Dancing Under the Stars to Live Music, Stellar Comedy Entertainment, and More...
Live Auction Starring Local Media Personalities
Meet Educators Who Have Challenged Students to “Reach for the Stars”

The San Juan Education Foundation
More info

Gillian Parrillo
SacWomen

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (0)

United for No Injustice, Oppression, or Neglect UNION RALLY

An Urgent Call for Compassion and Common Sense in Corrections
Prisoners are People Not Political Pawns - Epidemics Are Spreading Everywhere

Friday, September 7, 2007
10 a.m. until we drop. Come early and help out

NORTH SIDE, Sacramento Capitol Building
L Street and llth Street Side
Sacramento, California

Stirring Speechettes by:

Theresa Vaughn, Mother of Timothy Souders, a 21 year-old mentally ill prisoner whose death by medical neglect was featured twice on 60 Minutes this year. (July)

Rev. B. Cayenne Bird, UNION Director will discuss status of 28 wrongful death lawsuits in progress filed by families and the work that is needed for the future.

Speakers on Sentencing Commission, Prison Cap and Overcrowding and their relevance to the Crisis

California Nurses Will Address the MRSA epidemic, Medical & Mental Health Care Issues and Vulnerability Nora Weber (Mother of Mark Grangetto) will describe her experience with the courts in seeking remedy for her son. UNION family members of prisoners in crisis will describe their own crisis when a loved one became ill, injured or died in custody.

Medical worker will address methods of prevention

Legislative Sponsor will speak about the critical, relevant bills in progress You are needed to attend and bring people as only crowds influence the legislators - individuals do not count or the problems wouldn't exist. You are needed. Bring ice water, protest signs

More info

A crowd is needed, everyone who works in a prison or has a loved one incarcerated needs to be present to stand up for themselves. The Governor and media sees crowds generated by groups only - individuals do not count The prisoners are dying and there is only you to stand up for them, caring starts with you.

Continue reading "Rally To Protest the Inadequate Medical Treatment For California Prisoners" »

Posted by Gillian Parrillo at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Can you digg it? | Comments (2)