BETTIE BRAND MOTHERS' EMPOWERMENT FUND NEWSLETTER

Early Bird Tickets Are Here

Don't Miss Your Chance to Save

Join us for our virtual
"A Taste of Love - Dishes To Honor A Mother's Tradition: A Culinary Master Class with Chef Daryl Shular, Certified Master Chef "

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6 to 7 pm EDT

Dear Friend of Bettie Brand,

We have some exciting news: tickets to our virtual fundraising event are officially on sale — and if you grab yours today, you'll lock in our lowest price of the season.

Join us on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 6–7 PM EDT for a warm, joyful, one-of-a-kind culinary experience with Chef Daryl Shular, one of only a handful of Certified Master Chefs in the United States. Chef Daryl will guide you through mouthwatering dishes inspired by his mother's kitchen — recipes rooted in love, memory, and tradition.

This is more than a cooking class. Every ticket you purchase directly supports our 2026 Spirit Award recipients as they build lives of dignity, independence, and leadership.

EARLY BIRD TICKET: $40

Ticket price increases to $50 after April 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Lock in your savings now!

Gabrielle Hodges

Strength in Motion

After a life-altering accident left her paralyzed from the C7 vertebrae downward, Gabrielle chose resilience over retreat. She refuses to let her injury define her future and is committed to using her experience to uplift other women navigating disability and transition.

Her Spirit Award supports adaptive transportation — a critical step toward renewed independence, leadership, and opportunity.

Read her full story:
https://www.bettiebrand.org/gabrielle-hodges-2026 

Messiah Farmer

Rising Into Leadership

A freshman at Clark Atlanta University, double-majoring and dreaming of becoming Atlanta's youngest councilwoman. Messiah transformed early hardship into fierce determination.

Read her full story:
https://www.bettiebrand.org/messiah-farmer-2026

Your $40 ticket is an investment in women who are working every day to create better futures for themselves and their communities. We hope you'll join us — and bring a friend!

Taste of Love Prizes Avaiable!

When you make an event ticket purchase of $200 or more, you are automatically entered to win one of our fantastic prizes from these Valued Sustaining Donors and Sponsors:

Kaylee Hatfield, Executive Operating Partner, Joey D's Oak Room and Luke L'Heureux, Chief Operating Officer, CentraArchy Restaurants - A $200 gift certificate good at any of their restaurants!​

Ryan Morris, General Manager, St. Cecilia, Buckhead|Atlanta - A gift certificate for a 4-course dinner with wine pairings, $500 value!

Ginny Drazba, Owner, MassageLuXe - Midtown Atlanta - A 90 Minute Massage + 1 Enhancement and a 60 Minute Facial + 1 Enhancement, a $334 value!

Jim Duggan, Owner/Lead Sculptor and Lonna Cave, Senior Sales/Project Manager, ICE Sculpture INC - A medium size 2ft x 2ft, custom engraved ice sculpture, including delivery and setup in the Metro Atlanta area, a $500 value!

Because of You

Since 2013, 36 women have received a Spirit Award — each committing to “pay it forward” in her own way.

Your generosity makes this possible.
Your belief moves leadership forward.
Your support helps write the next chapter.

This is how history moves.

Bettie Brand Mothers' Empowerment Fund Mission:

The Bettie Brand Fund gives stipends to “provide women in need with a hand up,

not a hand out, so they may live with dignity and independence.”

Women chosen to receive stipends from the Bettie Brand Fund

 must agree to “pay it forward” in whatever way they can.

Follow us