Hand UP for Women Hosts 23rd Annual Gala: “From Here to Eternity” Red Carpet Event
Hand UP for Women is readying for its largest annual fundraiser on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This year’s event, themed “What God Begins Will Last…From Here to Eternity,” will take place at the Grande Event Center, 5441 Clinton Highway.
The media is invited to attend this year’s gala, to hear powerful stories from the women who have chosen to change their lives through the program. In addition to the heartfelt testimonies from graduates, the organization will share a video highlighting the long-term effects of the program and a message from Executive Director Eva Pierce.
“Our gala is an important part of stewarding our mission to offer women in need a hand up toward a better life,” said Dottie Sampsel, Hand UP for Women Board President. “Plus getting dressed up in formal wear makes for a beautiful event that everyone enjoys.” The event encourages black-tie or formal attire, though it is not required.
Hand UP for Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping women in East Tennessee struggling with hopelessness and uncertainty. Through its year-and-a-half-long program, women develop essential life skills such as character development, job readiness, and Bible studies. The organization’s goal is to help these women discover their purpose and transition from being tax-takers to taxpayers creating lasting change for years to come. Over the last 20 years, Hand UP for Women has empowered more than 125 women to rebuild their lives, choosing sobriety and fostering safe, healthy relationships.
About Hand UP for Women
Hand UP for Women is a life-management and career-readiness ministry that brings dignity, self-confidence and hope to women who might otherwise remain trapped in addiction, abuse, poverty, and despair. It provides long-term, healthy friendships, and a year-long series of twice-weekly classes that teach women to realize their full potential in every area of life. Because of the long-term investment in their lives made by all those involved in Hand UP for Women, participants find and own the personal strength and courage to achieve self-reliance helping them become who God created them to be.
