Tuesday night, I sat within ten feet of an Academy-Award winner, two Grammy winners, an Emmy nominee, a network TV host, multiple international models and the president of a globally-recognized brand. Those were not the most impressive people in the room. You see, that honor went to the ten women who were the focus of the evening at the 2013 L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Gala. These women embodied determination, focus, resolve and in many cases, personal triumph amidst unspeakable tragedy.
The Ten Honorees on Stage
One of those women happens to be a personal inspiration for me, and is the very reason Me Fine exists.
In May, Diane Moore recommended we nominate Lori Lee for this national recognition. Diane, now a Programs Director for Me Fine, felt strongly that Lori’s story was worth telling. Of nearly 5,000 applications from across the country, Lori was chosen as one of the 10 Honorees.
Lori Lee and her presenter, International Style and Beauty Expert Mary Alice Stephenson
If you’ve heard Me Fine’s story, you’ve heard Lori’s story. They are one in the same, yet Lori begat Me Fine. I make that important designation because Lori would never do it herself. She never wants the recognition to be about her. She never wants the spotlight to stray from the organization. And that’s one of the reasons this evening was perfect: it shone emphasis directly on Lori’s heart, work, determination and the way she has turned a personal tragedy into an indelible legacy.
Quote from Lori Lee
So as we enter our tenth anniversary year, I can’t think of a better way to kick it all off than by honoring the woman whose vision, compassion and drive have laid the cornerstone for this Foundation. I’m honored to have been a part of Lori’s first major introduction to the rest of the world. She’s definitely a woman of worth…even if they don’t make numbers high enough to price tag on just what that worth is.
Humbly,
Joey Powell
Executive Director
Here are some of the photos from the 2013 L’Oreal Paris USA Women of Worth Gala:
The Lady of the Hour Preps Herself
Me Fine’s Staff (photo courtesy – Mary Angel Bastin)
Place setting
The Me Fine Contingent Joins Lori on Stage (photo courtesy – Diane Moore)