Over 600 women attended the Hearts of Hope Women’s Benefit event that Linda Hunt (second from right) invited me to last week. The model for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission fund-raiser is to inspire women to become table hostesses and allow them to fill the room with friends and family members. Talking to other women during the cocktail hour, I sensed the excitement about this organization. The actual expense of the dinner is underwritten by sponsors. There is no cost to attend, which is wise. Why charge $25 when, after being awed by the words of a rehabilitated homeless woman, our hearts and pocketbooks opened wide.

Attendance soared from 150 in the first year of the event (2008) to 300 last year and over 600 in 2011. The formula is working.

Linda’s invitation to me came with the generous offer to bring a friend (see my post from last week). I even extended the offer to my readership and had the privilege of meeting a cyber-friend, Drew Lamm,  in the flesh when she took me up on the offer to attend.

The evening flowed smoothly and well, especially considering the number of meals to serve, plates to clear, speakers to hear and money to be collected. My hat’s off to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission for their professionalism and respect for the audience’s time and resources. I felt that my attendance was of great value and that my donation would be appreciated.

The guest speaker, Elisa Morgan, drove home that point in her excellent talk which focused on a biblical quote, “She did what she could.” No ‘shoulds’ or ‘musts.’

I was inspired to be among so many women who were there to make a contribution as well as bear witness to how this organization has helped so many women in Fairfield County. I loved getting to sit next to Linda and have a more intimate conversation than a typical networking event would allow. And I relished having the abundance of time to be with my invited friend, Leigh, and my new acquaintance Drew. It was a winning evening all around.