[1]Mavis Leno, Advocate for Afghan Women’s Rights, To Speak At Legacy Luncheon.
On February 22, 2010 the Junior League of Sarasota Sustainers will host a legacy luncheon featuring Mavis Leno, wife of comedian and talk show host Jay Leno. Leno is an Advocate for Afghan Women’s Rights and chair of the feminist Majority Foundation’s Campaign to Help Afghan Women and Girls. The event will be held at Michaels on East, 1212 East Avenue South Sarasota, FL, and will start at 11:00am. The cost is $85 per person. RSVP by February 15, 2010. Call 941-953-5600 or Email: jlsarasota@verizon.net [2].
Since 1997 Leno has been an outspoken critic of the Taliban’s treatment of women. Leno continues to push for the restoration of women’s rights in Afghanistan She also encourages worldwide news coverage about the issue. In 2002 the Feminist Majority Foundation was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for its work on behalf of women and girls. Leno has been married for 30 years to comedian and talk show host Jay Leno.
The luncheon will feature a vast array of raffle items sold via Chinese Auction with the premier item donated by Coffrin Jewelers, an 18K green tourmaline and diamond ring by Bellarri, valued at $2,290.
In support of the event theme, women in Afghanistan handcrafted the unique centerpieces. “Happy Dogs and Happy Bears” are one-of-a-kind stuffed animals crafted from Afghan silk and cotton fabrics. They were ordered directly from Rahyab Handicrafts, a women-owned business based in Kabul and will be sold for $20.00 each.
Michael’s on East will prepare a special Middle Eastern themed luncheon starting with pita & hummus and ending with Baklava for dessert.
Sponsors of the luncheon include: A. Tiffaney & Son, Coffrin Jewelers, Northern Trust Bank, Scene Magazine and individuals Kim Cornet, Michelle Crabtree, Paulette Vitrier Schindler and Dara Thompson.
Event proceeds will benefit the Junior League of Sarasota Endowment Fund. For more information call the Junior League of Sarasota at (941) 953-5600 or visit www.JLSarasota.org [3].
The Junior League of Sarasota is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The membership includes nearly 700 active, sustaining and provisional members.
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