Warner’s 3rd Annual Apples of Gold Women’s Luncheon held on November 7th this year at the Mountain Lake Colony House was encouraging and inspiring to all who attended. With about 150 ladies there, this year’s attendance was our largest since we started in 2017.
Many of the table hostesses from last year returned and some new hostesses came on board. All 19 of the ladies were a joy and brought some of their closest friends and family to attend with them at their table.
Hostesses
Back row: Denise Grimsley, Erica O’Neill , Bev Maxwell , Debbie Gill, Pec McGinnes, Susan Raburn, Marcia Lightsey , Laura Motis, Marissa Story, Sue Stover
Front row: Michelle Hurst, Doris Gukich, Ernestine Tye, Charlotte Lightsey, Joanna Hoag
Not shown: Barb Andrews, Debbie Swindle, Andrea Thies, Leigh Ann Wynn
A glimpse into some of our attendees hearts from Board Member and alumna, Heather Snively:
“I look forward to the Apples of Gold Luncheon each year. It is such an honor to hear the students’ stories and catch a glimpse of how God uses each of us to encourage one another for His glory.”
We heard from some of the people who have been so important to the Warner community. Not only did we get to hear about the future of Warner from our President Dr.Hoag, but we also heard from some alumni and current students.
Maegan Meredith BA’19 challenged the room with three questions: “How rooted are you in your faith?”, “Are you prepared to serve?” and “Are you all in?”. It was so encouraging to hear her address the room and encourage us about serving.
Next we heard from current Ag student Hayley Walker, as she talked about how the Lord met her where she was in life and gave her a home and community in the Warner family. It is voices like hers that help others find their home at Warner as well.
“2019’s Golden Girls”
Vice President of Culture at FamilyLife, Kourtney Street said, “Apples of Gold anchors me annually to remember how important it is to invest in young women coming up in leadership. My career has been developing college women and this luncheon is holy and inspiring.”
We are so thankful for the women who attend each year like Kourtney, who see how important it is to help our students succeed and how much their support and encouragement speaks life into our students.
Every year Apples of Gold helps raise funds to help students attend Warner through institutional scholarships. Warner discounts tuition around 35% for academic and/or athletic scholarships based on financial need; this equates to around $6 million annually in scholarship assistance. We are proud the community steps up to help our students succeed while at Warner.
2019’s Philanthropist of the Year – Mrs. Grace Selent-Ratzlaff (with President David Hoag)
Leigh Ann Wynn and Dr. Hoag with 2019’s Excellence in Education Award winner Debi Robillard Edwards BA’77
Thank you so much to our sponsors and table hosts, without them the luncheon and our scholarship program at Warner University would not be possible.
WU student speaker Hayley Walker
WU recent grad and keynote speaker Maegan Meredith BA’19
Last year’s student speaker and this year’s recent alum speaker Madison New BA’19
As a mother of a current student and a football player I would like to say a BIG Thank You ladies for everything you do and have done to make a great college for my son to attend.
As a mother to one of those girls, thank you for allowing her to have this experience!
It was a wonderfully planned event. Enjoyed by all.
A wonderful event with great blessings for those who receive scholarships.
Thank you to all involved who created such a celebration.
The stories told should warm everyone’s heart
This is my first experience with a most awesome environment of brilliant and driven women (Ladies). At my table alone I learned the education and professional value of these ladies, as I was overwhelmed at their leadership and management skills. Thanks to Erica O’Neil for her participation in the luncheon. Thanks to all.
Betz Newbold