In many ways Alabama is a very poor state.  However, we are rich in so many areas.  Alabama was just declared as the third most generous state in the nation based on a per capita calculation.  We are not only rich in the compassion we show for one another through our thoughts and prayers but also in our actions and giving.  The YWCA just experienced that richness and that caring from our community as we held our Fourth Annual Purse & Passion Luncheon to support our domestic violence services and shelter in St. Clair County.  Under the fabulous leadership of Jenny Gauld and a team of dedicated volunteers, close to 400 generous individuals and corporations helped raised a record breaking amount to fund those critical services.

The YWCA thanks all involved for helping us help others.  We also thank Joy who stepped from the shadows of domestic violence to tell her painful story that has ended with hope renewed. And we thank this newspaper, The St. Clair News-Aegis, for their great coverage of the event.

On behalf of those whose faces you may never see but whose lives you have deeply touched, the YWCA sends our deep gratitude to all for your care and concern for those we serve.

Suzanne Durham

Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Central Alabama