DEARBORN, Mich. – Florine Mark's 13th annual Remarkable Women FUNdraiser is kicking off in Dearborn Sunday, Oct. 14.
Organizers said the event promises inspiring discussions with leading women in news, television, philanthropy and other fields.
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Anne Thompson, former Michigan news anchor and multi-award winning NBC News correspondent, will be the featured guest and talk about living fearlessly.
Also on board as the day's special guest is actress Erin Cummings, who stars in the upcoming CBS fall series "Made in Jersey." Cummings starred in ABC's "Detroit 1-8-7," shot in Michigan.
Musical guest Karen Newman will be joined by some of Detroit's biggest names in news. WDIV's Marla Drutz, the station's vice president and general manager, will appear with Rhonda Walker, anchor of Channel 4's morning news broadcasts.
Adding to the line-up: Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press columnist; Allyson Martinek, disc jockey on 96.3's "Blaine and Allyson in the Morning" ; and television news anchors Diana Lewis, from Channel 7; and Sherry Margolis, from Channel 2.
The event begins at noon at The Henry in Dearborn, but doors open at 10:45 a.m.
Organizers said guests can walk through the vendor area to pick up free swag, which is included in ticket prices.
Admission also includes:
- A healthy lunch with more than 600 local entrepreneurs, policy-makers, community activists and Weight Watchers' supporters
- The chance to win raffle prizes like furniture, electronics and sleep sets from Gardner White and Art Van, sponsors of the event
- An opportunity to hear each of guest open up about their lives, goals and dreams as they answer intimate questions in a roundtable setting
Organizers said registration is required. Visit Ask Florine's web site for more information and to buy tickets.
Mark, president and CEO of Weight Watchers Group, based in Farmington Hills, began the charity event as an extension of her "Remarkable Woman" radio show, a 30-minute question and answer format aired Sundays in five markets across the state. The purpose behind both the radio show and the charity event is to highlight extraordinary women by asking them to share their personal stories of triumph, a press release said.
As an added benefit of the charity luncheon, Mark was able to expand her commitment to the community by donating money to various local charities that advance healthy living.
"I think it is so important to give back to the community if you can, and I can't think of a better cause than to help people reach for longer, healthier and happier lives," said Mark.
To date, the charity said it has donated about $200,000, primarily to charities that advance women's health.