The Valley, Anguilla – 14th March 2023 – Hats and Heels hosted its 7th Annual Hats and Heels brunch on Sunday 12th March, 2023, under the International Women’s Day theme ‘Embracing Equity’. The non-profit organization was founded on a profound passion for the sisterhood between women. The organization’s mission is “women empowering women” through trust, passion, investment, and commitment.
The aim of the fundraiser is to support the only 24/7 hotline SAFE (7233) which offers a Safe Haven for persons experiencing Domestic Violence and Mental Health issues. The funds raised through this annual initiative is a three-pronged approach – a small stipend for the volunteers who support the hotline, providing a safe house for persons experiencing domestic violence and training for the volunteers in collaboration with the Anguilla Red Cross and the Ministry of Social Development.
Attendees to the Hats and Heels brunch were welcomed by the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers.
During the brunch, Coordinator of Gender Affairs, Ms. Kemoloy Murphy, applauded and recognized the 2023 Women’s Week honourees – Mrs. Sandra York-Gumbs, Ms. Susan Hodge, Mrs. Patricia Hodge, Mrs. Patricia Beard, Mrs. Anita Martin-Ruan, Ms. Jocelyn Johnson, Dr. Lana Connor-Hoyoung, Ms. Sáaliha Abdur-Raheem, Ms. Mimi Gratton and Mrs. Mona Fleming.
Additionally, the Unit recognised Dr. Connor-Hoyoung with The Pioneer Award for her work in Women’s Rights and Development on Anguilla as well as her contributions towards the establishment of the Gender Affairs Unit.
The theme was explored by an array of Guest speakers including the HR Director of Four Seasons Ms. Calla Gumbs, former member of the Youth Parliament of the Government of Anguilla Ms. Tyiesha Emmanual, the 2022 Nurse of the Year Ms. Christene Dupuis, Mental Health Activist from St. Maarten Mr. Ahmad Gumbs, and Entrepreneur and owner of The Facelab Ms. Janay Reymond.
The event was well attended with over 175 guests. Entertainment was provided the Soca Monarch 2022, Roxxy with her song “Woman doin that too”, and Latest and Hodgie of Latest and Exodus HD with an acoustic set.
Hats and Heels President, Jade Reymond Richardson and Vice President, Vyonne Brooks, is expressing their gratitude to the various organizations, companies, media, gift sponsors, hosts Aurora Resort and Spa, who continue to support this initiative that allows SAFE to provide a haven for persons in the community.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence, please contact S.A.F.E (7233).
