Elayne Bennett
Elayne Bennett always had a mind - and a job - of her own. So in 1987, two years after the birth of her first child, she wanted to ease back into the workaday world on a part-time basis. Fat chance. Today, 13 years (and another son) later, she's the founder and president of the Best Friends Foundation, a nondenominational, apolitical organization that helps roughly 5,000 adolescent girls (grades 4-12) in 26 cities and 90 schools nationwide find "self-respect through self-restraint." Ms. Bennett is the 2000 recipient of this nation's prestigious American Institute of Public Service's " Jefferson Award." The award was presented to Ms. Bennett for her work in mentoring and encouraging adolescent girls. The award was established by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1972 in recognition of people who have forged new paths in service to the nation. Best Friend's mission is simple - encourage girls - through peer support, adult mentoring and enlightenment - to abstain from drugs, alcohol and sex.
RSVP to: Arlene O'Sullivan at 704-540-9539 or email at aos123@aol.com by Friday, August 22, 2008.Recognition for the nonprofit foundation, an idea whose quiet success reflects that of its creator, has come from the White Houdse and a range of civic organizations, including the Urban League. TV Shows such as ABC's "Nightline" and "CBS Sunday Morning" have also lauded Best Friends. In her speeches Bennett talks about her work with Best Friends, the importance of community involvement and mentoring in raising children, and the phenomenal success rate of this program that sees 100% of its participants graduate from High School and now boasts graduates who have completed college and are attending Medical School.
Due to the overwhelming demand for a boys' program, she launched Best Men in 2000. She earned her B.A. and M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She is a member of the Ethics, Religion, and Public Policy task force of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. She is the wife of former Cabinet member, William Bennett, and the mother of two sons.
(Once a reservation is made, and then you are unable to attend, please call and cancel because we are still financially responsible for the cost of your lunch. Thank you!)
Please remember that once a reservation is made and you are unable to attend, we are still financially responsible for the cost of your lunch.We
