In honor of Women’s History Month, the Savannah Master Calendar partner businesses held a special networking social and panel discussion for women leaders and those who support them. This month’s SMC Gives series event—Beyond Suits & Heels—took place on Tuesday, March 26 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Savannah Station at 601 Cohen Street. The event was also a fundraiser for the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire, and raised over $750 for the center and its mission.

The event began with a networking social from 5–5:45 PM, during which guests enjoyed appetizers by Cape Creations Catering, desserts by Savannah Square Pops and Wicked Cakes, photography by Shot by Somi Studios, and a cash bar. The panel discussion took place from 5:45–6:30 PM and featured local women leaders discussing the causes that matter to them and how nonprofit and for-profit organizations can work together to benefit and enrich our community. The panelists included Cecilia Arango of Thomas & Hutton, Jess Belfry of Hustle & Blow Dry Bar, Weslyn Bowers of Blessings in a Book Bag, Maria Center of Girls on the Run, Cynthia Creighton-Jones of Cape Creations Catering, Sarah Denmark, Aileen Gabbey of Susan G. Komen, Britnee Kinard of SD Gunner Fund, Mia Mance of G100/Dick Broadcasting Company, Shannon McClure of the American Cancer Society, Paige Sarvis, Deb Thompson of United Way, Deborah Warren of Savannah Termite and Pest Control, and Doris Williams of the Rape Crisis Center. Savannah Master Calendar President Marianne Ganem-Poppell moderated the panel and Old Town Trolley Tour’s Laura Ross and Celebrations Unlimited’s Zelonia Williams gave introductory remarks.

“Savannah Master Calendar and our corporate partners are excited to bring together women leaders and those who support them for this remarkable event, and to learn more about the specific ways women in our community are working together to make Savannah a better place,” said Marianne Ganem-Poppell, Owner and President of Savannah Master Calendar.

“The Rape Crisis Center is grateful for the support of the Savannah Master Calendar partners, and I look forward to participating in the Beyond Suits & Heels panel with this inspiring group of women leaders,”said Doris Williams, Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire.