Karen McKenzie, the president of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) in Lehigh Acres would like to see more business and professional women in Lehigh to become active members. In fact, that is one of her goals as she takes over the reins of leadership of the group which has around 20 members today.
We want to attract younger women who are professionals in the community. We want to introduce them to our organization, which fosters good relations between business people in the community. The ABWA also helps in the community and hands out scholarships to deserving Lehigh seniors each year.
“Not only younger women, but we are also asking women who have been in the business atmosphere, working in local firms, to give us a chance to show how we can all work together to promote Lehigh business and join our professional network,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie said the ABWA meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Bistro Rudy’s restaurant at The Village on Taylor Lane for a dinner meeting. Cost of the dinner is $15 and must be called in as a RSVP to Marilyn Waline at 368-4222. The event begins at 6 p.m. with networking and dinner followed by the monthly meeting.
“There is a lot of excitement with our new board and we want to share some of the upcoming events with the community,” McKenzie said.
“We are calling our annual fashion show that supports our education fund for scholarships for Lehigh Acres residents ‘Lights, Camera Fashion’ and it will be held on Saturday, October 27. Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. and will include the fashion show, a silent auction and Chinese auction,” McKenzie said.
The cost is $25 and the fashions will be by Denimianco Boutique and Pinkies Boutique with jewelry by Parklane. Also celebrity look-alikes such as Danny DeVito and Jack Nicholson will make appearance so you may want to we want to tell people to bring their cameras,” said McKenzie.
Tickets are on sale now by contacting Joan Alder-Gordon at 239-789-8100.
“One other fundraising event that we are doing is ‘Flocking with Pink Flamingoes. For $15 we will ‘flock’ your front yard with 10 pink flamingoes. We also have the option of doing 20 flamingoes for $30. You can also add balloons if you want for a small additional fee. This fundraiser also helps our scholarship fund,” she said.
McKenzie said the group is also in the process of making changes to its website which can be found at www.abwalehigh.com.
The ABWA is also planning its Christmas party at the Colonial Country Club on Dec. 2, which is a Sunday. The cost is $15 and will be from 2 to 5 p.m.