BETTIE BRAND MOTHERS' EMPOWERMENT FUND

NEWSLETTER

Your Good Taste Continues

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you for coming together for our virtual culinary cooking class, "A Taste of Love - Dishes to Honor a Mother's Dream," just before Mother’s Day. Held on May 8th, this event raised over $7,000. This support will help us change even more women's lives, and you are a vital part of that transformation.

Culinary Magic and Spirit Awardees
We were fortunate again to have Certified Master Chef Daryl Shular leading our kitchen, guiding us through a menu that celebrated both culinary art and the spirit of motherhood. Chef Shular was joined by our founder Candy Kaspers and 2021 Spirit Awardees Ballalaine Davies and Jessica Reed. Over a sumptuous meal, Ballalaine and Jessica shared how the Bettie Brand Mothers’ Empowerment Fund changed their lives, propelled them to success, and allowed them to give back to their communities.

Your Good Taste Continues

Whether you missed the virtual cooking class launch on May 8th or simply wish to experience the magic again, we've got you covered. For those who have already contributed but haven't watched the video yet, remember that it can be accessed at any time—your link to view is always active.

For those who want to experience the enchantment for the first time, a donation of $50 or more not only supports our ongoing mission but also grants you access to this year’s culinary cooking class, along with the 2023 and 2024 classes. Your support is crucial as we continue to uplift and empower those women in need, weaving more stories of transformation and hope.

YOUR 2025 COOKING CLASS MENU INCLUDES:

• BLACKBERRY-ORANGE OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL
• ARUGULA-STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH FETA, HONEY ALMONDS,
• & LEMON-BASIL DRESSING
• CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

YOUR  2024 COOKING CLASS MENU INCLUDES:

• MANGO-RUM SPRITZER
• PEACH-RADISH SALAD WITH HONEY LIME VINAIGRETTE
• DEEP SOUTH SEAFOOD PAELLA

YOUR  2023 COOKING CLASS MENU INCLUDES:

• MASON JAR LEMON CURD
• SOUTHERN STYLE FRENCH TOAST
• SLOW COOKER BEEF SHORT RIBS

Click below to donate and we will provide you with access to our virtual culinary cooking classes.

Congratulations to the lucky winners of the prize drawings for the May 8th event and our thanks to those who generously donated the prizes!

• Mark and Marsha Kozinn won the four-course/wine pairing in-home dinner for 6, provided by Master Chef Daryl Shular

• Nida Rizvi won the four-course dinner with wine pairing for 10 in the Ted's Room at Ted's Montana Grill, provided by George McKerrow

• Mary Lou Frank won the two hours of games, food, and beverages for 10 at Dave and Buster's Marietta, provided by Chris Kersh

• William Dunaway won the 90 minutes of darts, food, and beverages for 12 at Flight Club Atlanta, provided by C.J. Cloyes
• Donnella Cranford won the custom chef tasting with wine pairings for 2 at St. Cecilia Atlanta, provided by Ryan Morris

2026 Spirit Award Nominations Open on August 15

The Bettie Brand Mothers' Empowerment Fund will open 2026 Spirit Award nominations on August 15.  The nomination application period is from August 15 to November 15, 2025.  The Spirit Award winners will be announced in January 2026.

In order to nominate candidates, there are two forms that must be completed for a woman to be considered for an award. One is a Partner Organization Recommendation form, to be completed by the nominating organization, and the other is a Candidate Application form, to be completed by the candidate herself.  

Both forms will be available at https://www.bettiebrand.org/application during the open application period from August 15 to November 15, 2024.  

If you have any questions, contact BBMEF at Spirit.Award@bettiebrand.org or our Associate Director David Haag at 404-405-2105.

Click here to explore the stories of our past Spirit Awardees

Automatic monthly and/or annual donation giving is now available!

Bettie Brand Mothers' Empowerment Fund Mission:

The Bettie Brand Fund Mothers' Empowerment 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.

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