Autumn hues, pumpkins and leaves welcomed guests to the eighth annual meeting of Pearls of Empowerment on Nov. 2.

Pearls honored 1 organizations with $38,300 in grants.

The luncheon highlighted agencies and the impact each has on the lives of women and children in Davie County. Agency representatives spoke for their projects and expressed thanks for the work Pearls does in the community.   

Recipients were:

• The Advocacy Center of Davie: assistance for women living at or below poverty level – $3,000;

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Services: The Big Buddy Club – $500;

• Davie County Schools: Healthy Davie Preschool Initiative – $4,500;

• Davie Domestic Violence Services & Rape Crisis Center: Bilingual Victim Support and Outreach – $2,500;

• The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center: Trauma-Informed Schools Implementation – $3,300;

• Family Promise of Davie County: Family Promise Case Management Program – $8,000;

• Hardison UMC Summer Food Bags: Summer Food Bags – $3,500;

• Hillsdale United Methodist Church: Heavenly Bags – $3,000;

• Just HOPE: Women LEAD Program – $ 5,200; and

• Smart Start of Davie County: Nurturing Parenting Program – $4,800.

In its eighth year, Pearls awards total $244,982.64.

Pearls of Empowerment is a women’s giving circle organized under the Davie Community Foundation. Pearls is open to women of all ages and backgrounds.

Once you become a Pearl, choose your level of involvement as you come together with women from all over Davie County to make a positive difference in the lives of women and children.

For more information, visit www.daviefoundation.org/pearls  or contact Debbie Koontz, program manager, at the foundation. “Join us today and make a difference in our community.”